The historic Daugherty Furniture Company Building, a long-standing feature of Clinton's architectural heritage dating back to 1942, is now opening its doors as the Daugherty Lofts, an affordable housing complex. The development will offer 39 housing units, catering primarily to households earning up to 50% and 60% of the area's median income. Anderson County's median family income sat at $63,171, as per the 2023 census data, provided by WVLT.

According to WATE, renovation efforts have spanned half a decade, transforming the five-story structure, which earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010, into a residential asset for the community. Lease prices range from $776 for a one-bedroom to $1,309 for a three-bedroom unit, with income caps set at $38,000 for individuals and about $60,000 for a family of five, as revealed by one of the developers, Kent Leach. This arrangement aligns with the goal to boost the city's historic downtown area and offer essential accessibility, allowing residents the convenience to easily navigate and partake in the community's offerings without the pressing need for a car.

Financial backing for this project has been substantial, with a $10.9 million investment from federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and an additional $1.6 million secured through tax credit syndication by Hunt Capital Partners. This influx of federal funding has been pivotal in bringing the Daugherty Lofts to fruition and underscores a concerted effort to address affordable housing needs in the Anderson County region, as reported by WVLT.

The endeavor to create affordable housing within the historic building has witnessed considerable delays, including challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuating costs for building materials. Despite the obstacles, the developers have managed to propel the project forward, "excited about the opportunities this provides for Clinton," as stated by Leach in an interview with WBIR. An apartment even features the original vault from the building's earlier days, although it has now been repurposed as a unique and secure laundry room/pantry. Roughly one-third of the apartments have already been claimed, a testament to the project's appeal and the community's support for such revitalization initiatives.

As the City of Clinton continues to breathe new life into its historic downtown, initiatives like the Daugherty Lofts play a crucial role in shaping the urban landscape. They serve more than simply to provide affordable living spaces—they embark to instill confidence in other developers, potentially sparking further development and bolstering the community's vibrancy and economic vitality. With units quickly filling and the population increasing, Clinton is poised for a bright future that honors its history while embracing new opportunities.