Rebuilding the Mill

Rebuilding the Mill – Architect’s Log 1/18/16
Gene J.  Abell, AIA, NCARB
The Abell Architectural Group, Inc.

The Beginning:

At 4:45 on Christmas morning my wife and I were jarred awake by a one-line text: ‘the Butte Creek Mill is burning!’ Initially, we thought this was a cruel hoax but soon learned that sadly, it was true.  The wonderful 143-year old Butte Creek Mill, owned by our good friends the Russell family, was fully engulfed in flames. Our first thoughts were for Bob,

Our first thoughts were for Bob, Kristen, and Scott’s safety, and we were greatly relieved to learn that they were all fine, although understandably in shock. The day after the fire we went to the mill to see what we could do to help.  I’m an architect, so I thought there might be some way I could be helpful to Bob. The fire was out, the rubble was still smoldering.

The fire fighters from Fire District 3 were on scene, making sure the fire was out and beginning their investigation into the cause. Bob and I walked around the exterior of the mill and were surprised to see that three of the walls where the country store had been located were still standing.  Also, the basement where the millrace and turbine are located was also intact. After seeing these

Bob and I walked around the exterior of the mill and were surprised to see that three of the walls where the country store had been located were still standing.  Also, the basement where the millrace and turbine are located was also intact. After seeing these things, I knew it would be possible to rebuild the mill if that was what Bob wanted to do.  He said that was exactly what he wanted, and was determined to make it happen.

He asked me to facilitate this architectural process, and I agreed. From that moment on we’ve been looking ahead and moving forward to rebuild the Butte Creek Mill, so it will once again be the heart of Eagle Point. Many people have expressed interest in the steps involved as we move forward, so for the next several weeks I will be making periodic posts explaining what we’re doing.

I will be mentioning several professionals who have helped in this process.  I want to note that they all came as soon as they were asked, and are offering their services for little or no fee.  This is a wonderful example of how a community can come together, and I’m honored to be a part of it. My next post will be about the process we immediately implemented.