Repurposing the Mill

One of the metro’s hottest adaptive re-use developments is showcased in the historic 120-year-old former Canton Cotton Mill on the banks of the Etowah River near downtown Canton.
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The Mill on Etowah in the former denim factory now features a brewery and taproom, a retail marketplace, restaurants, a co-working environment, and more. The 250,000-square-foot destination in the former Canton Cotton Mill property overlooking the Etowah River is at 225 Reformation Parkway in Canton and also features an events green with stage and visual screen.

A key component of the project is the rich history of the area, and each company that is a part of The Mill on Etowah is encouraged to tell their history as well as the history of the community. Canton City Councilor Brooke Schmidt says she is glad to see what the project is accomplishing in the city.
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Hodge and Schmeelk purchased the property from the Jones family, which founded the denim-producing mill in 1899 and operated in until it closed in 1981. Along with the iconic brick mill, the project also encompasses six additional buildings.

The Mill was founded in 1899 by Robert Tyre Jones, along with a group of local investors. Jones was a leader in banking and commerce in Canton at the time and the plant was the first of two cotton mills built by the owners along the river.

Canton was incorporated in 1834, on land that at the time was still part of the Cherokee Nation. Early investors in the cotton mill were from families who helped settle the area.

A stroll around the property offers a chance to view significant historic art such as a bronze Creek chieftains, as well as photographs of the mill, the Jones family, and those who worked at the denim producing facility. Events throughout the year support and honor local nonprofits, while a variety of activities offer an environment of inclusiveness for the community. The Mill project was honored with the 2019 Georgia “Deal of the Year” Award from Georgia Economic Developers Association for the visionary use of the historic property to attract office, retail, residential, and tourism activity.
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©Enjoy Magazine, Inc. Publisher@EnjoyCherokee.com. Written by Rebecca Johnston.