Renewal
The Canton Cotton Mills are located in Canton, Georgia, a quaint little town located north of Atlanta. Robert Tyre Jones, one of the major donors to start the construction, founded the Canton Cotton Mills in 1899 (Wagner 1). The mills increased the economy of Canton because it was the only main source of income for the people. Simultaneously while the production of Mill #1 was occurring, the railroad near the Etowah River was in construction as well. They produced fabric for denim and over time continued to improve the material and created new top of the line fabric. The construction of Mill #2 began in 1923. Mill#2 produced denim cloth that was known for its quality and durability. Mill #1 and Mill #2 had mill villages that housed the workers and their families, which are still standing today. Both mills continued to expand and accelerate its productivity. They were very active in manufacturing cloth for World War II. It was not until the 1960’s and 1970’s when production started to die. Both Canton Cotton Mills closed in 1981.*
Life after the textile mills consisted of abandonment and the home of manufacturing and storage facilities until 1999. In 1999, Aderhold Properties purchased Mill #2. This company specializes in restoring and transforming buildings into loft apartments (Wagner 192). Aderhold Properties is the same company that restored The Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill to The Stacks in 1997. The loft apartment attracts typically low-income earning people. Through historic preservation the legacy of the Canton Cotton Mill lives on. The Canton Mill Lofts host a home to many and brought more economic prosperity just like it did when it was first built. Canton has continued to grow and expand since the mills began. The mills have transformed over time as well as the area around it. Canton has the mills to thank for the revitalization it has brought to it.
Life after the textile mills consisted of abandonment and the home of manufacturing and storage facilities until 1999. In 1999, Aderhold Properties purchased Mill #2. This company specializes in restoring and transforming buildings into loft apartments (Wagner 192). Aderhold Properties is the same company that restored The Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill to The Stacks in 1997. The loft apartment attracts typically low-income earning people. Through historic preservation the legacy of the Canton Cotton Mill lives on. The Canton Mill Lofts host a home to many and brought more economic prosperity just like it did when it was first built. Canton has continued to grow and expand since the mills began. The mills have transformed over time as well as the area around it. Canton has the mills to thank for the revitalization it has brought to it.
* The overview is from an on going research project I have been involved in previously.
