From Mills to Senior Housing: Jim Anthony on Clayton’s Next Chapter A Town Shaped by History

For more than four decades, APG Companies Founder & CEO Jim Anthony has been deeply woven into Clayton’s growth story. From saving historic textile mills to facilitating land for global employers, his work has left a lasting mark on the town’s character and economy.

Anthony helped preserve the Barbour Textile Mill (now home to Deep River Brewing) and the Clayton Spinning Company, two landmarks that still flank downtown. He also developed the U.S. Post Office, preserved historic homes, facilitated land for Novo Nordisk’s latest expansion, and brokered the sale of the Carolina Overlook site, now the Del Webb community.

“My fingerprints are all over this town,” Anthony told Council members during a public hearing earlier this month.

A Community Vision, Decades in the Making

The Riverwood Athletic Club community was born out of a shared vision between Fred Smith and partners like Anthony, who helped assemble the first 1,350 acres of farmland. That vision centered on health, family, and active living, anchored by an athletic and swim club, commercial corners, and a church site.

As Clayton continues to grow, Anthony believes it’s critical to honor that legacy with thoughtful, balanced development — not just growth for growth’s sake.

Clayton’s Next Chapter: Senior Housing Approved

On September 2, the Clayton Town Council approved a rezoning request that clears the way for Dominium’s proposed 167-unit senior housing community and 6,400 square feet of specialty retail on Pritchard Road.

Anthony noted that the decision wasn’t about whether the land would be developed, but how. Under existing zoning, the site could host four-story apartments, gas stations, or high-traffic commercial. By contrast, Dominium’s plan will deliver:

• Affordable senior housing designed to last for decades
• Neighborhood retail integrated with the community
• Street, pedestrian, and landscaping improvements on all sides of the site

“This project isn’t just another development. It’s a lifeline for seniors and their families — providing dignity, stability, and the ability for aging neighbors to remain in Clayton.”

Addressing Community Concerns

Traffic and school congestion have been central issues in the debate. Anthony stressed that Riverwood’s traffic challenges stem from overcrowded schools, not this site. By comparison, senior housing generates significantly less traffic.

In addition, Dominium has committed to widening Pritchard Road, adding walking and bike paths, expanding stacking space, and installing new crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

For Anthony, the project is an extension of Clayton’s original vision — a community built around health, balance, and opportunity — while addressing one of the region’s most pressing needs: affordable housing for seniors.

“The question isn’t whether the site will be developed, but how. Choosing senior housing means choosing the better path for Riverwood and for Clayton’s future.”

About APG Companies

APG Companies is a full-service Raleigh commercial real estate firm, offering brokerage, investment, and advisory services across the Triangle and North Carolina. With over 40 years of experience, APG specializes in land brokerage, commercial property sales and leasing, and real estate investment strategies that prioritize both opportunity and community.