Historic warehouse in Martinsville to be transformed into apartments and retail space

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) - A massive, historic warehouse is soon going to be transformed into apartments and a place to grab food and drinks.

The American of Martinsville furniture warehouse was built on Lester Street in 1906.

“At one time, American of Martinsville was the largest contract manufacturer of furniture in the world,” said Eric Phillips, Martinsville Economic Development Authority Chairman. “As many people know, Martinsville used to be the furniture capital and the sweatshirt capital of the world.”

Eric Phillips grew up in Martinsville and remembers the role the factory played in supporting local families like his own.

“Growing up, I can remember all these factories. There was a hum when you went by them with all the machinery and the dust bins running. My dad worked in the