The Halifax County Economic Development Commission recently showcased the WestPoint Stevens (Sonrise) Brownfields project at the “Unlocking Potential: Strategies for Brownfields Redevelopment” workshop in Durham. Sponsored by the Central Pines Regional Council, NJIT Technical Assistance for Brownfields, and the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments, the event highlighted key strategies for effective redevelopment of brownfield properties.
The 54-acre Westpoint/Sonrise site was an integrated textile facility that started operation in 1898 and produced both finished (dyed) and greige goods (unfinished) from cotton and polyester raw materials. In 1996, when WestPoint Stevens purchased the site from the Bibb Company, the plants manufactured terry products and napery (cloth napkins). Between 1996 and when manufacturing was shut down (2003) the plants produced terry products. Manufacturing operations included yarn making, weaving, bleaching, dyeing, and sewing.
Cathy Scott, Executive Director, presented an overview of the seven-year journey to achieve official approval for the West Point Stevens/Sonrise Industrial site in Roanoke Rapids under the North Carolina Brownfields program. Critical partners included the Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments, Halifax County Business Horizons, Inc., the City of Roanoke Rapids, and Halifax County.
The site and buildings were recently sold to 1200 NC LLC with plans to renovate the facility for several business uses including warehousing/distribution operations, aquaculture, data processing, and other uses outlined in the Brownfields Agreement for the site.