FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2024
Buena Vista, VA (September 2024) – The City of Buena Vista is excited to announce significant progress in the redevelopment efforts for one of its most historically significant properties, known as the Bontex or Georgia Bonded Fibers property, or historically as the Columbia Paper Mill. This site, which dates back to circa 1860, has remained vacant since 2010. The City has worked closely with the property owner over the last few years to establish a clear path forward for its revitalization.
The former Bontex plant, which spans over 87,000 square feet of interior space, was once a vital part of Buena Vista’s economy. It began as a paper mill in the late-19th century before evolving into an industrial site for textile manufacturing under various ownerships, including Georgia Bonded Fibers and later Bontex. Its long industrial history and prime location at the gateway to the City make it a focal point for redevelopment efforts that could bring new life and opportunities to Buena Vista.
In a major milestone for the project, City staff submitted the site for registration on the state and national
historic registers in 2023, and it was successfully added to both in 2024. This designation recognizes the
historical significance of the property and opens the door for developers to access historic tax credits, which can be a key tool in financing the redevelopment while maintaining the site’s unique character.
To support these efforts, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has allocated up to $200,000 in technical assistance grant funds for site assessment and planning for the former Bontex site. The grant is part of a grant awarded to DEQ from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant in FY22. Virginia DEQ chose this site based on its long industrial past, significance for the community, and potential for redevelopment. Buena Vista’s commitment to the site and the willingness of the property owner to collaborate and support these efforts were also factors in the decision to allocate grant funds for this work.
This grant will cover essential due diligence steps, including environmental site assessments, risk assessment evaluation, and site conceptual/reuse planning. In addition to environmental assessments, the project team is conducting a historic resource survey, building reuse plans, and a market analysis to guide redevelopment efforts. These assessments are critical in determining the feasibility of future development and ensuring any potential environmental risks are identified and addressed. These findings will not only inform the redevelopment process but also position the City to pursue future funding for cleanup and development efforts, if necessary.
“We’re excited to finally see progress on this site after so many years of vacancy and disrepair,” said Kristina Ramsey, Director of Economic Development for Buena Vista. “This property has such a rich history and so much potential. This is just the first step to bring it back to life, improve the look of the gateway to our City, and create new opportunities for the community.”
The redevelopment plan will include considerations for adaptive reuse of the property, potential state and federal grants, and historic tax credits. Furthermore, the City is exploring opportunities to create a recreational link between the Columbia Paper Mill site and the popular Chessie Trail and River Walk, enhancing connectivity and outdoor assets in the area.
As Buena Vista looks toward the future, the City remains committed to transforming the former Bontex/Columbia Paper Mill site into a vibrant space that contributes to the local economy and community. While the property owner does not wish to sell, they are actively seeking an experienced developer to partner with. Experienced developers with a proven track record in large-scale industrial redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation are encouraged to express interest in partnering with the property owner for this exciting opportunity.
For more information, please contact Kristina Ramsey, Buena Vista Director of Economic Development, at [email protected] or (540) 261-8616.
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