The 600,000 annual visitors to Rock Island State Park may get to see a restored Great Falls Cotton Mill in the future.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is exploring efforts to save and potentially restore the old cotton mill, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.
The mill was built on the banks of the Caney Fork River in 1892 and was in operation until 1902 when its wheelhouse was destroyed by a flood. The mill operation included the manufacture of cotton, wool products, and was well known for its heavy cotton sheeting.
The restoration project is still in a conceptual phase, but state officials believe improvements could boost visitation to the park and enhance economic activity in Warren County. The mill has suffered deterioration in recent decades, although park staff acquired a grant from the Tennessee Historical Commission for roof repairs several years ago.
Members of the McMinnville-Warren County Industrial Board have been privy to some of the plans for old mill restoration. It was announced at the monthly IDB meeting last week that work could include rerouting of a section of Highway 287 around the mill to create a safer roadway for motorists, as well as additional green space to explore the historic attraction.
IDB member Jeff Golden said the state is looking to partner with investors who are willing to transform the mill into a facility that includes a restaurant with outdoor seating and possibly an inn.
The mill sits on property owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority, and TVA is one of several stakeholders whose officials have discussed efforts to restore the mill. TVA manages approximately 293,000 acres of public land.
“We are proud to work with the state and other partners to explore the Great Falls Mill project and its potential contributions to recreation, economic growth, cultural preservation, and the overall enhancement of quality of life in the region,” said David Bowling, TVA’s vice president of land, river management and environmental compliance.
Other partners looking at the potential of the project are the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Historical Commission, the McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the IDB, and other local officials.
Reconfiguring the road in that immediate area would fall under the direction of TDOT.
“Providing safe and efficient access for park visitors is a priority for TDOT and we would be happy to partner with Tennessee State Parks to enhance this historic feature at Rock Island State Park,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer.
No timetable has been established for when restoration work might begin. The possibility of spring 2019 was mentioned at the IDB meeting, but that is only a loose estimate.
