Grover Industries Factory in North Carolina
Step into the forgotten world of the once-thriving Grover Industries Factory in North Carolina, now standing desolate and abandoned. As you embark on this virtual journey, prepare to be fully immersed in an atmosphere of eerie silence and historical resonance. With a comprehensive collection of 28 meticulously captured 360-degree panoramic images, both from the interior and the exterior, you are invited to explore every nook and cranny of this forsaken site. These images offer a unique and comprehensive perspective, allowing you to rotate and view every angle as if you were physically wandering through the decaying halls and overgrown grounds of the factory. This virtual exploration not only brings you closer to the haunting beauty of this abandoned location but also provides a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the stories left behind in its wake.
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The History and Current Status of the Grover Industrial Plant in Tryon, North Carolina
The Rise and Fall of a Textile Giant
The Grover Industrial Plant, a significant textile establishment in Tryon, North Carolina, has a storied history dating back to the 1890s. Its roots can be traced to a hosiery mill built by Lemuel Wilcox, powered by the Pacolet River. After Wilcox’s death in 1941, R.A. Spooner took over and renamed it Tryon Processing, operating it in the original hosiery mill constructed by the Wilcox family. The Harry family, owners of Grover, eventually acquired the business.
The main plant in Grover, near Kings Mountain, was a major employer, at one point having 250 employees. However, it closed in 2001 during a recession that saw numerous textile plant closures. The Lynn plant of Grover Industries, despite drastic cost-cutting measures that reduced staff from 125 to just 30, ultimately succumbed to economic pressures and closed in October of a year not specified in the source.
From Abandonment to New Ventures
Following its closure, the Grover Industries building in Lynn faced a period of abandonment. However, a new chapter began when Daystar Enterprises Inc. purchased the facility, with plans to transform the approximately 55,000-square-foot building into a multi-use space. Envisioned were a flea market, an outdoor store, an equine retail/consignment store, a coffee shop, and a sports equipment store. The site, benefiting from its scenic location next to the Pacolet River, was seen as having potential for about ten businesses, potentially creating around 40 new jobs for the area. The Town of Tryon rezoned the property to facilitate these retail services.
Challenges and Restoration Efforts
Despite these optimistic plans, the restoration and redevelopment of the former Grover Industries site faced challenges. Jerry Thomas, principal of Daystar Enterprises, encountered issues with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding the dumping of construction debris along the North Pacolet River. This violation occurred during the ongoing renovations of the property, which Thomas claimed happened without his knowledge or consent.
As of the latest updates, the restoration project was in the deconstruction phase, with a three to five-year plan for complete restoration. The vision included honoring the site’s history by converting it into a multi-use facility featuring retail, restaurants, and a cidery, along with other possible ventures like a high-end coffee shop. These plans, however, were on hold pending infrastructural developments in the area, such as the provision of septic services along the Hwy. 108 business corridor.
Conclusion
The Grover Industrial Plant’s journey from a thriving textile mill to an abandoned structure and now to a potential hub for diverse businesses reflects the changing economic landscape and community aspirations in Tryon, North Carolina. While challenges persist, the potential for revitalization remains, offering hope for new life in a historic setting.
If you enjoyed virtually exploring this location, you might find these interesting as well. The Lake Dolores Water Park in California, the Harry T. Moore & Harriette Moore Home in Florida, or the Jekyll Island Amphitheater Ruins in Georgia.
A 360-degree panoramic image captured inside the abandoned Grover Industries Factory in North Carolina.
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Equipment used to capture the 360-degree panoramic images:
- Canon DSLR camera
- Canon 8-15mm fisheye
- Manfrotto tripod
- Custom rotating tripod head
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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