Episode 1 of our Innovation Campus video series giving a behind-the-scenes view of this catalytic project for our community.

The Industrial Commons’ Innovation Campus Phase 1

We are in the process of redeveloping 27.87 acres, former site of the Drexel Furniture 3 & 5 Plant, into our flagship Innovation Campus. We envision a downtown campus that houses incubation space for emerging manufacturing business, alongside our offices, creative art space in partnership with TOSS, Work in Burke, with worker training and education facilities. These buildings will be surrounded by nearly 8 acres of public parks, with outdoor gathering areas, trails, and gardens. Our plans our guided by a steering committee of local government and education entities, economic development organizations, and local businesses. We strive to include meaningful participation of our local community members, as we continue to refine our vision for this important community site. The Drexel 3 & 5 Site has been a fixture of our Morganton community since the early 1900’s. It is where generations of family members worked making some of the world’s finest furniture. Later, as it sat empty, it was a reminder of the challenges faced when work moves away, and the ensuing struggle to remake families and community identity. After a fire destroyed the vacant factory in 2009, the land sat empty and unkept for over thirteen years.  

In the midst of these hardships, there is a palpable renaissance happening in our community. New institutions have moved here, manufacturing is back on the rise, and young people are finding their voice; all within the backdrop of some of the most beautiful trails and mountains you will find in the United States. While we have our challenges, things are moving in a positive direction. Our work on the campus is being guided by a steering committee that has members from the public and private sector as well as individuals from the community.

This project is an example of how collaboration between the private and public sectors can lead to innovation and positive economic change. The concept is a mechanism to move the region forward and creates a roadmap for how to successfully support the next generation of American manufacturing. It is an investment that will spur the creation of domestic manufacturing jobs, support new and existing manufacturing firms, and drive economic development.

Phase 1: Innovation Campus Plans

Brownfield Remediation Webinar

May 16, 2023

An overview of the remediation needed at the site to fullfil the requirements of the EPA Brownfield Clean-Up Grant. Learn about clean up plans, and anticipated timeline from the remedation team; Erin Kizer, Land for the Commons Director at TIC, Brian Kvam, Senior Principal at Brownfields & Redevelopment, Stantec, Matt Gillis, Southeast Regional Account Manager at Buckeye Elm Contracting

Vision Plan of our 10.29 acre tract for housing and 27.87 acre tract for the Innovation Campus in Downtown Morganton.