In the 1920’s, the Brown family saw a growing demand for work shirts and opened Troutman Shirt Factory located in Troutman, NC. The facility became the first apparel plant in the world to introduce “wash and wear” clothes, a product that revolutionized the laundering of apparel. In the 1940’s the Brown’s built a second factory in the neighboring town of Mooresville, NC. The new plant located on Patterson Avenue became one of the largest employers in Mooresville. Sales grew to over $37 million by 1983; however, the plant closed the following year due to competition and a decline in the industry.

In 1997, the Streeter’s purchased the buildings for their distribution businesses and completed extensive renovations to revitalize the historic plant. Be re-imagining the buildings to meet growing demand of companies seeking authentic and functional workspace. The Design Center became the hub for national and local businesses.

In 2019, New Forum, a Charlotte-based real estate development, management & operating company, purchased The Design Center at Lake Norman.