Revolution Cotton Mills

Built in 1899 for the Cones and the Sternbergers, Revolution Cotton Mills grew to be the world's largest flannel mill by the 1930's. At one time, this mill was a thriving part of the nearly 2-million-square-toot Cone Mill Complex. If you want vintage photos and more on the captivating history, visit here.  Sadly, in 1982, the mill closed only to sit dormant for over twenty years. In 2003, the building entered a phase of being repurposed with mixed purpose businesses. Efforts have been made to keep costs down for entrepreneurs who open businesses here. 

There are fancier, already renovated views on the property. However, we like the memories of the southwest corner which still sports the original signage. The redesigned, modern event and meeting space of this facility is breathtaking. We'll feature the fancier parts at another time. For now, we share this with ABC Wednesday since "M" is for "mill."

 

Comments

[jay]

Oh, I'd like that view best, too! I do like repurposing buildings, if it's the alternative to pulling them down altogether. We have a deconsecrated church in a nearby town which has been turned into three shops. It's odd to see a church supporting commerce, but I'm glad they kept the outer shell for posterity.

On behalf of the team, thanks for taking part in ABC Wednesday this week! :)

[Gemma]

An impressive looking old building! It looks like a place that holds many secrets! Fascinating!

[saretta]

What a neat old brick building!

[Greensboro Daily Photo]

As serendipity would have it, an article in our local newspaper (The News and Record) reveals that the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship, currently located in the Revolution Mill Studios, needs to move from that location. It appears that Revolution Mill wants the space. The Center will need to raise $4 million to move and is asking the city for $1.2 million. Read more here

http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/04/14/article/nussbaum_center_to_ask_city_for_12_million

[B^2]

Hopefully, this business incubator will grow lots of jobs.

[Kim]

I like story of old buildings. This photo is gorgeous! Happy Wednesday!

[VioletSky]

That is one 'breathtaking' renovation of the old mill! thanks for that link (you all should check it out!)
And interesting that they kept the back with the original signage.
That article makes your town sound rather positive and supportive of entrepreneurship.

[Roger Green]

I LOVE repurposed buildings. It's so sound on many levels.

Great story, nice pic.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

[barbara farr]

They are repurposing the mills in Columbus, GA too. Most of them are being turned into condos.

[Greensboro Daily Photo]

They tried to turn these into condos but the structure made it cost prohibitive.