Chronicle Mill

Constructed in 1901 by renowned local merchant R.L. Stowe, Chronicle Mill was the first textile mill in Belmont, NC that eventually was abandoned after spinning its final thread in 2010. When it was finally targeted for reuse as a multifamily building, a seemingly insurmountable list of hurdles nearly throttled the project before it began. Through continued collaboration, the redevelopment of an icon will continue having a community impact well beyond what the original creators could have imagined.

Remnant sections of the existing façade were preserved to signify where the mill once stood. The new façade is a modern interpretation of the mill that retains the simple rhythm of the existing façade’s fenestration without being an exact replica. On the opposing side, the space the mill previously occupied was transformed into a pool amenity deck with grilling areas situated amongst remnant portions of the façade.

The design of the new construction portion of the project follows the simplicity of the existing building, so as to not compete architecturally with the mill. The west façade stair doubles as a connecting bridge to the new construction that spans over an amenity courtyard space.

The structure of the mill is a mixture of concrete on a steel deck with a steel frame dating back to the 1970s, steel columns with wood decking dating back to the 1930s, and heavy timber columns & beams with pine decking dating back to the original construction.  The interior design concept pays homage to the original purpose of the Mill, as well as the significant role it continues to play in the community of Belmont. Some elements of the design, such as the hand-woven art panels and rope ceiling element in the clubhouse, represent obvious ties to the textile industry while other elements are much more subtle. Many FF&E pieces within the amenity spaces feature salvaged and repurposed items from the original mill. The newly developed retail, F+B space, & large outdoor gathering areas encourage the public to take part in reclaiming Chronicle Mill as the social hub of Belmont.