Jan. 8, 2026Updated Jan. 9, 2026, 1:18 p.m. ET
A historic mill converted into a modern living space will now open to the public.
The Pendleton Mill Lofts, located at 250 S. Depot St. in Anderson, will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 3:30 p.m. to celebrate the long-awaited transformation of the historic Cheney Mill into refined residential living.
The new residential living space features up to 150 luxury apartments, with amenities like a pool, fitness center, and co-working areas.
Additionally, the project features retail spaces that will be convenient shopping options for both residents and visitors.
Attendees can enjoy refreshments and open house tours.
The project came together through a collaboration between the Town of Pendleton and Anderson County.
In 2019, Pendleton leaders approached the county to develop an incentive package to attract developers to revitalize the abandoned textile facility within the city limits.
At a Dec. 17, 2019, County Council meeting, Burriss Nelson, director of Anderson County Economic Development, shared how the Pendleton Mills Loft project would be an opportunity to save the historic mill.
"This project represents an opportunity for the county to assist Pendleton and prevent the historic facility from falling into greater disrepair," Nelson said at the meeting. "The former Cheney Mill site is an almost century-old facility, which presents a chance to preserve a piece of the town's heritage.
"Without this development, the site could face the same fate as other historic textile facilities in the area that have burned down or been abandoned," he said.
The $30.75 million project was funded through public-private partnerships, federal and state tax incentives, and specialized loans led by the Colliers Debt & Equity team and Churchill Stateside Group.
Anderson County also played a pivotal role by offering tax incentives.
"This project has been a long time coming," Anderson County Town Administrator Rusty Burns told the Anderson Independent Mail in May 2025. "We’re thrilled to see it coming together. It’s wonderful to see that an important part of Pendleton’s heritage is being preserved."
Sarah Stokowski, the newly elected mayor of Pendleton, expressed her gratitude for the completion of the redevelopment project
"Pendleton Mill Lofts is a welcome addition to our community," Stokowski said. "What was once a blighted, long-neglected mill that created challenges for nearby residents has been thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant, living part of Pendleton again.
"This project reflects our commitment to revitalization while respecting our town’s history," Stokowski said.
Pendleton Mill Lofts transforms into luxury apartments
Progress Carolina began construction on the<a> Pendleton Mill Lofts
project in February 2024, transforming the historic site into a vibrant community hub.
Nicholas Kieft, a project manager for the Progress Carolina construction team, said the initial phase involved extensive site preparation.
"The first four months were dedicated to clearing the site and building, before we could actually begin the construction process," Kieft said.
"Now that the project is complete, I think we have provided the town of Pendleton with a first-class product," he said. "I will be honest, it was very challenging. I've done a lot of renovation work, particularly in the United Kingdom, where I come from. However, this project had unique challenges due to the level of deterioration."
The Progress Carolina construction team focused on preserving the architectural integrity of the former Cheney Mill while incorporating modern amenities.
Kieft said one of the biggest challenges faced during the renovation process was the mill's dilapidated condition.
"The level of deterioration was quite impressive," Kieft said. "Trees growing in the middle of the structure and rotten timbers posed significant obstacles. We had to completely strip and clear the site. This involved removing any material that was rotten or couldn't be used."
"Despite these hurdles, the team managed to restore the building and breathe new life into the historic site," he said.
Kieft said, "We're thrilled with how it turned out.
"If you look at the final product, you'll see that we've retained all the original brickwork," he said. "We've obviously carried out repairs where necessary, but we've tried to retain the mill-like feel within the units themselves by having exposed brickwork, concrete floors, and keeping the original shape of the windows, even though we have new arched windows."
Monthly rent, unit sizes, and layouts
According to project details, the Pendleton Mill Lofts development spans approximately 106,957 square feet and consists of 120 apartment units.
Individual apartments range from 486 to 1,323 square feet.
Monthly rent for the Pendleton Mill Lofts ranges from $1,270 to $1,905, depending on the unit size and floor plan.
The community comprises multiple structures.
The community room serves as a space for gatherings and events.
Unit sizes and layouts
Rental rates by unit type include:
Standard deposits for Pendleton Mill Lofts range from $300 to a full month's rent, depending on the unit and the tenant's credit history.
For pet owners, there is a $300 non-refundable fee for the first pet and a $150 fee for the second, with a monthly pet rent of $25 per pet.
Additionally, renters must complete third-party pet screening for $30.
History of the former Cheney Mill site
The Pendleton Cotton Mill, widely known as the Cheney Mill among locals, began operations in 1906 and specialized in cotton yarn production.
It was among 17 textile mills in Anderson County that contributed to the county's textile industry during the early 20th century, between 1900 and 1920.
Changes in the global textile market over the years led to the mill's gradual decline and eventual shutdown shortly after 1999.
The completed Pendleton Mill Lofts project aims to revitalize a long-vacant historic landmark while addressing economic and housing needs.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].
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