The renovation and reuse of the Historic Austin's Department Store in downtown Smithfield into housing for the elderly was an important step in revitalizing the area's economy.

Originally the three story landmark was heralded as the largest department store in North Carolina. Constructed in 1921 by Willis H. Austin, the store went bankrupt in 1927, and was used after that by a variety of furniture stores until the city took it over in 1993 to turn it into affordable housing.

Together with the resources of the Town, financing from CP&L and the development partnership of WNC & Associates and Gordon Blackwell, the building today provides 47 apartment units, clerestories, retail spaces and a three story atrium center court.

After the opening, Lucile Austin, wife of Willis Austin's son Bill Joe, was quoted in the Raleigh News & Observer: "I'm sure Mr. Willis Austin would have liked the way the building turned out."