Preserving history and creating new opportunity, the Warren Mill Lofts exemplifies how redevelopment projects can take historical but obsolete properties and revive them to meet modern demand.
For over four decades, the 125-year-old denim mill sat empty off Augusta Road in Warrenville, South Carolina. Now the historic brick facade is full of tenants renting 205 new loft apartments. In recognition, the Warren Mill Lofts has been selected by a panel of local industry professionals as the winner of the 2026 CoStar Impact Award for redevelopment of the year for the Augusta and Richmond County market.
Redeveloping an 1890s industrial site came with challenges. The team had to navigate obstacles such as historic review and environmental remediation during a period of volatile financing.
Jointly owned by Piedmont Private Equity and Camden Management Partners, the century-old industrial property was redeveloped using loans comprised of historic tax credits, textile mill tax credits and a U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development program that guarantees loans for affordable, rural, multifamily rental housing projects.
About the project: On the 11.11-acre site, 139 lofts were retrofitted into the restored 190,677-square-foot mill. Another 66 units were added in new structures. In all, the 205-unit complex is outfitted with modern amenities, including a pool, fitness center and coworking space. The project broke ground in September 2023 and wrapped up by March 2025.
What the judges said: “This type of redevelopment is close to my heart,” said Timothy McFalls, manager of commercial and retail development for the Augusta Economic Development Authority. “Revitalizing a dormant 1890s landmark into a 205-home catalyst for the Augusta Road corridor, supports the emerging local industrial growth ... Ultimately, the project overcoming 40 years of vacancy and significant rehabilitation hurdles is why I believe this project is an award-winning, sustainable community that balances historic character with modern economic utility.”
They made it happen: John Gumpert, president of Camden Management Partners, entered into a Joint Venture with Piedmont Private Equity who includes founding principal Walter Hall, Managing Partner Mark Sofge, Chief Financial Officer Tim Monks and Vice President for Finance Eric Conkright.
This article was updated on March 26 to correct the ownership and the roles of those listed under They made it happen.