Walk through the doors and the old Warren Manufacturing Co. property looks nothing like it did back in its industrial heyday, when generations of workers churned out cotton products and, later, sold American Tourister luggage out of the sprawling waterfront factory.

Rows and rows of machinery are gone, replaced by tasteful apartments built with full lofts, granite countertops, full kitchens and wide views of the Warren and Palmer rivers. Where supplies were once kept a movie theatre is being built. A gym is going in, and a small amphitheater will soon be under construction where a small brick accessory building now sits.

After two years of demolition and rebuilding the old factory, owned by a New Hampshire development company that specializes in turning mills into residential and commercial space, is just months away from welcoming its first residential and commercial tenants. The buzz around the place is palpable, and that’s not just from the 1,000 potential renters who have signed a list expressing interest in moving in.

Interest on the commercial side has also been high from restaurants, shops, professionals and others. So far, two commercial tenants, Barrington Pilates and a dentist, have signed leases, and other potential renters are inquiring.

“There’s been a lot of interest,” said commercial realtor Michael Giuttari, whose firm is working with developer/owner Brady Sullivan Properties to market commercial units within the much-anticipated development.

“People ask every day.”

Mr. Giuttari’s firm, MG Commerical, held a tour of the mill Thursday with the mill’s owner, Brady Sullivan Properties, geared for real estate brokers. As workers throughout the complex hung drywall, wired outlets and did other work, Mr. Giuttari and his associates gave guests the first public views of apartments and commercial spaces. 

There is much too choose from. Apart from 61,000 square feet of commercial space, Brady Sullivan plans to have 190 apartments ready for the public in the coming months. A second phase of the project, which includes more commercial space and another 110 apartment units, is scheduled to start in the coming months. Though there is still plenty of work to do on the first phase, a crew of about 125 construction workers are at the mill five days a week.

About the apartments

Mr. Giuttari said one of the most common questions he receives is how much apartment rentals will cost. Brady Sullivan hasn’t finalized a rate structure yet, he said, but should by the end of the year. The apartments range from about 1,200 square feet to 3,000 for some penthouse and larger units. Though they are modern the units give a nod to the past, with as many original architectural features — brick walls, pillars, original flooring and even some industrial fixtures left in place. Many of the long corridors connecting apartments are lined with historic photos of Warren, the mill and advertising broadsides put out by the American Tourister Company.

All told, the complex will have space for upwards of 700 cars, with 110 of those space housed inside, on the first floor of the complex.

About the Tourister Mill project

Owner: Brady Sullivan Properties, Manchester NH

Purchased: In 2013 for $2.6 million

Construction: Broken into two phases. Phase I should be mostly complete by end of year with Phase II following

Residential spaces: 190 in Phase in, 110 more in Phase II

Commercial space: 62,000 square feet in Phase I, more in Phase II

About apartments: Apartments range from 1,200 square feet to five-bedroom, 3,000 square foot penthouses built in a new level atop main factory. Pricing has not yet been determined for apartments.

Commercial leasing rates: Ranges from $21 per square foot for office space to $30 and up per square foot for restaurant and retail space.

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What about the big metal warehouse? The large metal warehouse at the southwest portion of the property is scheduled to come down “any time,” Mr. Giuttari said. A demolition permit has been applied for and approved by the Town of Warren, he said.