History

Originally built in 1907 by Clark and Company, the building was one of several in the area servicing the burgeoning tobacco industry that fueled the economy for so much of the 20^th century. “Plug” tobacco was the main area of manufacture in the building. As tobacco’s sway began to wane, the building would eventually become the headquarters of the Frank Chervan furniture company, while the surrounding buildings serviced the rubber industry.

Chervan eventually relocated to Roanoke, leaving the building abandoned until seeing new life in 2013. The Bedford Lofts formally opened to new residents in September of 2014.

The building retains its historic fabric and as such, it is a contributing structure in the Bedford Downtown Historic District, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.