Three Communities in one city block
Did you know there are three different HOA communities located in the same block behind Greensboro College?
Nestled in the heart of Greensboro’s historic College Hill neighborhood, the Wafco Mills communities form a unique enclave just one block behind Greensboro College, bordered by Spring Garden, Cedar, Fulton, and McGee Streets. This single block is home to three distinct communities—Historic Wafco Mills, Walker Commons, and the 66-unit Wafco Mills Condominiums—each contributing to the area’s rich history and vibrant urban lifestyle. Whether you’re a history buff, a prospective buyer, or someone looking to explore Greensboro’s past, this block offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s industrial heritage and modern community living.
Historic Wafco Mills: A Landmark of Greensboro’s Past
Historic Wafco Mills, located at 801 McGee Street, began as the Watson and Company Mill in 1893, making it Greensboro’s first roller mill. Operated by four generations of the Watson family, the mill produced flour, cornmeal, and later animal feed, playing a pivotal role in the city’s industrial growth. The original timber-framed building evolved over time, with brick expansions in 1907 and 1912 featuring segmental-arched windows and a stepped parapet gable, as noted in historical records. The mill closed in 1972 and was converted into 28 residential condominiums in 1987, earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and designation as a Guilford County historic landmark. Today, Historic Wafco Mills is managed by its own Homeowners Association, separate from the other Wafco Mills communities, and stands as a testament to Greensboro’s industrial legacy. Unfortunately, Historic Wafco Mills does not have a dedicated website, but its history is well-documented in local archives.
Walker Commons: Modern Living with Historic Roots
Also within this block, Walker Commons offers a more modern residential option while still being part of the historic College Hill district. Built on the open land surrounding the original mill during the 1980s redevelopment, Walker Commons consists of townhouses that complement the area’s historic charm. These townhouses are not part of the historic designation of Historic Wafco Mills but share the same block, providing residents with easy access to downtown Greensboro and the nearby Greenway urban trail system along Cedar Street. Despite its prominence in the area, Walker Commons does not appear to have an official website based on available information.
Wafco Mills Condominiums: A 66-Unit Cooperative Community
The largest of the three communities, Wafco Mills Condominiums comprises 66 individual units, also developed in 1987 as part of the mill’s adaptive reuse project. This cooperative community of homeowners, distinct from Historic Wafco Mills, is self-managed by a volunteer HOA board that enforces rules and regulations to maintain community standards. Located within the same block, Wafco Mills Condominiums offers residents access to beautifully landscaped common areas, including a pet-friendly greenspace, and proximity to the Greenway trail behind Greensboro College. The community has its own website, WafcoMills.com, where prospective owners can learn more about living in this historic yet modern enclave.
A Block Steeped in History and Community
The Wafco Mills communities—Historic Wafco Mills, Walker Commons, and Wafco Mills Condominiums—share a single block behind Greensboro College, creating a unique blend of history and contemporary living. Bordered by Spring Garden, Cedar, Fulton, and McGee Streets, this area is just steps from downtown Greensboro, UNCG, and cultural attractions like the Weatherspoon Art Museum. Whether you’re drawn to the industrial heritage of Historic Wafco Mills, the modern townhouses of Walker Commons, or the cooperative community of Wafco Mills Condominiums, this block offers a rare opportunity to live in Greensboro’s living history.
