Whirligig Station

GENERAL INFORMATION: The “Whirligig Station” project is the mixed-use redevelopment of a historic tobacco sales warehouse (known locally as the “Hi-Dollar”). This project is directly across the street from the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, a celebration of local artistry and a focal point for regional tourism. Whirligig Station will host the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Visitor Center. The subject site contains approximately 1.47 acres and is located on the northern side of Goldsboro Street in Wilson, SC. The immediate neighborhood is considered the Historic Tobacco District as well as the City of Wilson Historic District. The location of the site is easily accessible and the linkages provide easy access to major employers in Wilson as well as shopping, recreation and government centers. The proposed development will consist of a renovated tobacco warehouse building and will contain approximately 95 apartments and offer one and two bedroom units. Sizes range from 553-1,052 SqFt one-bedroom units and 921-1,181 SqFt two-bedroom units. Community amenities include a leasing office, a fully-equipped fitness center, a community room with kitchen as well as storage for rent (to both tenants and external clientele). Overall, the project has been designed to appeal and be affordable primarily to median-income households that work in the Wilson County market area. The target market for the subject units will be a very diverse tenant base including but not limited to singles and couples, students and faculty from the nearby higher educational institutions, medical staff from the nearby health care institutions, young professionals working in nearby employment centers as well as renters who work outside of the immediate area that are attracted to living in a renovated historic building in a more urban environment. These apartments are being designed as Class A apartments with upgraded finishes, design, amenities and services that will be superior to the vast majority of the existing rental inventory in Wilson County. The privately-financed/managed redevelopment of Whirligig Station is part of a larger public/private partnership and strategic plan to revitalize the downtown area. The Whirligig Station project serves as a catalyst for the larger redevelopment plan in the immediate area. Federal historic rehabilitation tax credits and North Carolina mill credits have been utilized.