Cohab.Space
High Point, North Carolina

Stability Engineering is helping transform the historic Melrose Hosiery Mill in High Point, North Carolina into an 80,000-square-foot, multi-use creative campus to include showrooms, event venues, studios, and collaborative spaces that will serve the surrounding community. A key priority is retaining the mill’s industrial character, including exposed brick, timber framing, and expansive window openings, while upgrading the structure to support high-load uses such as concert venues and outdoor gathering areas.

For the first phase of our work, the century-old Building 1 was brought up to modern code and high-occupancy requirements. Our team reinforced floor framing, integrated new steel elements with existing timber and masonry, and developed custom connection details that meet wind and seismic demands without compromising the historic aesthetic. We also preserved the existing truss system while resolving complex retrofit conditions, including lateral diaphragm upgrades, localized foundation settlement, accessible egress within a non-ADA-era structure, and large-span roof openings for skylights. Over 90% of the original structural frame was retained through targeted reinforcement, extending the building’s life for decades and reducing overall costs. Cohab.Space is developing into a thriving cultural anchor for High Point, supporting community events, design talent, and local economic revitalization, and we are proud to be a part of its progress.