R is for Revolution and Revitalization

In the above photo, Kayne Fisher of Natty Greene's Brewery is making the official announcement to the press that they are expanding into Revolution Mill. They will have two restaurants and will move, and expand, the Gate City Boulevard facility. The once prospering textile mill will be repurposed to include housing, artists' studios, the brewery, eateries, galleries and event spaces. Greensboro Park and Rec has made a commitment to cleaning up and beautifying North Buffalo Creek. The creek runs through the 45-acre mill property and will give this area-- 2 miles north of downtown-- a water feature. Natty Greene's plans to have a butcher and baker on site, and have made a commitment to good, fresh food, all of which was common when Revolution Mill was making textiles. 

This mixed-use campus of 520,000 square feet, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The above photo showcases the original maple floors and the exposed brick walls seen throughout the 1898 facility. The Revolution Mill redevelopment represents, perfectly, how our economy is changing from manufacturing to service and leisure. Here, people can work from home, eat and socialize, and enjoy many amenities, without leaving the property-- the ultimate staycation. Congratulations to Natty Greene's. And, congratulations to Greensboro for keeping this thriving brewery right here and for giving a tired, old mill, just the facelift it needed. 

Today is ABC Wednesday and for our A-Z Urban Finds Series, "R" is for Revolution Mill and its Revitalization! Below, you see co-founder of Natty's, Chris Lester, explaining the plans to interested community members. Here are two good links if you are interested in more details. (backstory on the groups that brokered the deal; Bizjournal's unveiling of the plan). 

Comments

[Jacob]

This is a wonderful thing for your city! It's the kind of thing that brings life and vitality to a city, and gets all sorts of creative juices flowing.

[Jane T. Mitchell]

Excciting news for Greensboro!

[William Kendall]

It sounds like they're doing things right.

[Melody Steenkamp]

Quit an activity... i wish all, the best of luck with it

Have a nice ABC-Wednesday-day / – week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫

[Roger Green]

I've said it before, but I LOVE repurposed buildings. The Binghamton (NY) Public Library, where I worked for a few months (in 1969!) is being refurbished after having been abandoned for 15 years!