A former grocery store in Martinsville was converted into apartments and storefronts

Martinsville, Virginia – Work is underway to convert a former grocery store in the center of Martinsville into a new residence for locals and company owners.

Joshua Martin, a native of the area, is in charge of the construction and was the first resident to move into the new apartments.

“It’s so close to everything,” said Joshua Martin, Construction Superintendent. “Their motto is, it’s in the center of it all, and it’s true because I could walk to the gym and walk to the coffee shop.”

Before the Historic Collective saw the property’s potential, the former Winn Dixie building had been empty since 2014.

“There’s a lot of people that commute to work in Henry County Martinsville area, but they don’t have an opportunity to find a place to live,” said John Garland, Historic Collective partner. “So, we’re hoping to fill the gap there.”

This is Martinsville’s third restoration effort by the Historic Collective.

The idea is to use historic structures to help reinvigorate the city, much like Roanoke did a few years ago.

“We’re hoping to add to that commercial vitality downtown in Martinsville which Roanoke certainly needed 20 years ago. Martinsville certainly needs it now,” said Garland.

Two retail stores and nine Make Your Space Studios, which are now undergoing renovations, will also be housed in the building. The studios are planned for August and are intended for charitable organizations, small companies, and artists, among others.

The monthly rent for the 25 one-bedroom units ranges from $745 to $895. Already, half of the rooms are booked.

“The difference between the historical and new construction is astronomical. The impact on the community is amazing. How the people come and they just they flocked to it, how these buildings rent up so fast, I just think it’s amazing,” added Martin.

August will see a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening.