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The historic cotton mill overlooking the Roanoke River is being renovated and will become an antique mall and artisans gallery called Riverside Mill.
“In community after community we can see entrepreneurial retail and restaurants redeveloping the area,” Steve Swan, vice president of development for Riverside Mill told the Daily Herald this morning. “I think this can be a real catalyst for growth. One of the most exciting things will be an opportunity to create a fun, festival marketplace where people can rediscover a lot of the historical significance of Weldon.”
According to the developers of the future marketplace, they are hoping to open in early 2009 and they plan to market the business as a tourist destination.
Riverside Mill will have space for more than 100 antique dealers in a 10,000 square foot raised gallery with its original plank floor, massive timbers and wide open views of the river, housing pottery, blown glass, jewelry, metal, wood and leather crafts from local, regional and national artisans.
Two-dimensional art from area artists will also be featured.
There will be 40,000 square feet of sales area opened to the public once renovations are completed. “We’re opening up huge windows that haven’t seen the light of day in 50 years,” said Keith Cuthrell, the majority owner of Rockfish Capital LLC, which bought the property in 2007. “We’re maintaining the original feel of the old mill and adapting it to a fun, mixed use that creates a festival-like shopping experience.”
Included in the plans is a marketing campaign to lure travelers off Interstate 95 with several billboards in key locations. “It’s an easy 1.5 mile run straight down (U.S. Highway) 158 East from that busy Exit 173,” said Cuthrell.
“Research shows the number one thing people want to do when they come to North Carolina is shop,” said Lori Medlin, executive director of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Visitors are most interested in unique, handmade items. This new shopping destination will be of great interest.”
Plans go beyond the galleries and antiques mall, Cuthrell said. Long-term plans call for an eatery, on-site auction business, fresh produce sales, regional products and regular events. “We think regular events will put us on the map,” Cuthrell said, explaining there could be collector car shows, chili cook-offs, wine tastings and contra dances.
Plans for the cotton mill renovation fall in line with the town’s goal of enhancing its riverfront, including the Canal Trail, which passes in front of Riverside Mill.
The original mill dates back to 1899 and was powered by water, drawing it from the transportation canal outside the mill’s front door and discharging it into the Roanoke River channel 30 yards behind the complex.
“We’re very impressed by the vision for Riverside Mill and the way it relates to the river,” Medlin said. “The setting provides an experience that is unique on the East Coast.”
Cuthrell said the water was central to the plans for the development. “We’ve opened views from the main building,” he said in a news release. “We’re building a spacious viewing deck. We’re clearing the riverbank of debris and making the whole area accessible to visitors. We’re creating a unique festival atmosphere with eclectic, interesting merchandise. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to bring your friends from out of town and it’s the kind of place you’ll come to spend a pleasant afternoon.”
More information, including applications for antique dealers and artists, log onto www.riversidemill.net.
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