Repurposing Concepts

Building Overview

The historic Varnville Cotton Gin building is made of load-bearing masonry walls approximately 18 inches thick. The north and south walls support roof trusses with a 3-in-12 slope leading to a center ridge, along with a timber-framed second floor originally supported by center posts that rise to 12’-7”.

For planning purposes, Success Staging International (SSI, Study Lead) assumes the existing second-floor framing will be replaced with new steel bar joists that span the entire interior width of 23’2 ½”. This removes the need for interior posts on the first floor and provides maximum flexibility for space reconfiguration. Similarly, the current stair location does not limit design options.

Historically, the building’s south facade featured a wide canopy stretching from the roof eave to the ground, supported by rough-hewn posts. Wagons pulled by horses or mules would unload raw cotton under this canopy. The original canopy was later removed, and in recent decades, a timber-framed awning was added at the second-floor level for storing fire and maintenance equipment.

In addition to the main brick structure, an annex approximately 21’ x 42’ extends from the northwest corner. This space, hereafter called “the annex,” offers extra flexibility for various uses. Currently, this area is planned to be completely replaced with a new structure that matches the historic design. It could also be expanded to include a second floor, depending on final space requirements.

SSI, with input from Hampton County leaders, stakeholders, and Varnville citizens, has begun developing conceptual repurposing plans. These options are not yet comprehensive but illustrate feasible paths for creating community and economic value and will be refined as more input is received.

Layouts of each alternative are being developed and include conceptual space needs for rooms, equipment, elevator, etc.

Repurposing Options

Option 1: Office, Training, and Event Space (Both Floors)

• Ground Floor: Configured for professional offices, training rooms, and community meeting space.
• Second Floor: A flexible event venue suitable for weddings, reunions, banquets, civic meetings, workforce training, tutoring, and senior programs. A planned south-side balcony would expand usable space.
• Key Value: Maximizes the building’s role as a civic, educational, and professional hub.

Option 2: Commercial Kitchen and Training (First Floor) + Training and Events (Second Floor)

• Ground Floor: A fully equipped commercial kitchen paired with classroom space for:
  • Culinary and hospitality training
  • Cooking demonstrations and food preservation workshops (canning, drying, freezing)
  • “Food as medicine” programming
  • Rental use by food entrepreneurs and small businesses
  • Food truck and food cart services( food storage and waste handling)
• Second Floor: Dedicated to training programs, tutoring, community gatherings, and event space as in Option 1.
• Key Value: Strengthens workforce development and small business opportunities, while also providing space for community use.

Option 3: Distillery and Tasting Room (First Floor) + Training and Events (Second Floor)

• Ground Floor: A small craft distillery producing gin or vodka, with potential expansion into bourbon. The space would include a tasting room to attract visitors and tourists, building on a growing industry trend.
• Second Floor: Used for events, training, and community programs, ensuring the building retains strong civic and educational functions.
• Key Value: Blends heritage tourism and economic development with local training and community use.

 Shared Features Across All Options

• Second Floor Balcony: Expands functionality of the event and training space.
• Second Floor Interior space: Historic photos and possibly some equipment would be displayed along the walls.
• ADA Accessibility: Plans include a new elevator for full compliance.
• Annex Integration: The annex can be adapted to support any of the options, serving as auxiliary storage, offices, or additional training space.
• Community-Centered Vision: All scenarios provide flexible event and training space to strengthen Varnville’s civic and economic vitality.

Summary Table