The Keith Corporation (“TKC”), a Charlotte, North Carolina based commercial real estate development firm, and Springs Creative, a Rock Hill, South Carolina based global leader in textile innovation, announced today a joint venture to redevelop the Baxter Mill in Rock Hill’s Knowledge Park area. The 400,000 square foot industrial building, located at the corner of White Street and Wilson Street, has been a fixture in town for over seventy years. The historic Baxter Mill will feature Class A office space, restaurants, breweries, retail, and specialty space all located within one of the most iconic buildings in the region. An adjacent parking deck will be constructed to serve the entire property. Springs Creative is slated to relocate its headquarters office space to Baxter Mill.

Derick Close, CEO of Springs Creative, said, “We are pleased to announce our partnership with The Keith Corporation. Ken Beuley, Brendan Pierce and the TKC team will work with Springs Creative to develop a world-class facility and game plan for the historic Baxter Mill. We are proud to be able to move our offices, the 600,000 piece archive collection, and our digital operations to this wonderful project. It is fitting that our new headquarters at Baxter Mill will be in the heart of the historic Lowenstein textile footprint in Rock Hill.

The important piece of the puzzle for the Knowledge Park project represents almost a decade of work by our city leaders, City and County Councils, and numerous pioneers for our city including Lee Gardner, Skip Tuttle, and Gary Williams. Old Town Rock Hill, Winthrop University, University Center and now Baxter Mill will represent the best in work, live and play environments. We look forward to the many potentials ahead as our collaborative efforts now come together.”

The interior of the building will blend its historic components with modern finishes and technology. The large windows, concrete columns and high ceilings of Baxter Mill will offer tenants one of the finest office and retail settings in the region. The existing parking lot will be updated to create an active urban park to accommodate not only the building but also the visitors and residents of Rock Hill. Located adjacent to the future 170,000 square foot indoor Rock Hill Sports & Event Center in the 23-acre University Center development, Baxter Mill will complement these projects while creating its own unique mixed-use environment.

Greg Keith, CEO of The Keith Corporation, said, “We value our relationship with Derick and we are excited to partner with Springs Creative on this significant project. We look forward to working with the City of Rock Hill and are pleased to continue our extensive investment in the future of South Carolina.”

“The redevelopment of Baxter Mill continues the successful transformation of downtown Rock Hill and Knowledge Park. We believe this building and the surrounding area will quickly become the most dynamic and interesting submarket in the greater metro area.”, said Brendan Pierce, Office Partner at The Keith Corporation.

Construction is expected to commence in early 2019 with the first tenant occupancy occurring in late 2019.

Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys commented, “The addition of Baxter Mill to Knowledge Park is a progressive step forward for our community. Springs Creative’s continued investment in Rock Hill, along with the successful redevelopment experience of TKC, will expand opportunities for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.”

About Springs Creative:

Springs Creative is a diversified Textile firm headquartered in Rock Hill SC with facilities in Rock Hill, Fort Lawn, and Greenville South Carolina. The company has sales and design offices in Rock Hill, South Carolina, High Point, North Carolina, and Shanghai, China. Springs Creative supplies a variety of textile products to myriad Fortune 500 companies throughout North America including 3M, Walmart, Simmons, Tempurpedic, Joann Stores, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby. Springs Creative also supplies design and creative services to the apparel, furniture, and gift sectors. Wholly owned Carolina Creative Products is the country’s largest supplier of bandannas and associated promotional products.

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