Plamen “Rocco” Ayvazov emigrated from Bulgaria to the United States in the mid-2000s, choosing to reside in Bath Borough. He landed his first job in the United States in 2006 at Suns Manufacturing, formerly the Mary Fashion garment factory in Bath.

The garment factory was a successful operation for years. It employed as many as 200 workers, many from Bath and surrounding communities. Ayvazov toiled in the American flag department. At that time, he had no idea how his life would unfold.

Ironically, with the garment businesses gone, Ayvazov, with his Monocacy General Contracting company, purchased the vacated building in 2019. He planned to renovate the building.

At a Greater Bath Area Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event Nov. 11, 2020, a large group of people assembled in the former garment factory to acknowledge and celebrate the building’s renaissance created by Ayvazov and DLP Real Estate Capital.

On a side note, Bath Mayor Fiorella Reginelli-Mirabito, present at the event, also worked at the garment factory as a youngster. She noted her fond memories running around the factory.

“This building holds a very special place in my heart,” Reginelli-Mirabito said.

The building is now a luxury apartment complex. There are 12 units consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom spacious apartments in a luxury loft format.

In addition to Reginelli-Mirabito, numerous dignitaries attended, including state Rep. Marcia Hahn, R-138th; state Rep. elect Ann Flood, R-138th; and members of Bath Borough Council. Also on hand was Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Iannelli.

“I have an emotional connection with this building since it was my first place of employment here in America,” Ayvazov said. “It’s exciting to see the finished property - the new mixed with the old.”