The Fulton Bag & Cotton Mill is no stranger to adversity.  The mill stands proudly on the land where it was originally built back in 1881. This unique facility operated as a mill for nearly 100 years before finally ceasing operations in 1978. Despite the rampant demolitions after WWII that robbed Atlanta of many of its historic buildings, the 'Save the Mill' initiative was successful in its efforts to spare the mill from annihilation. The mill is now on the National Historic Register.  

Nearly 20 years after closing its doors, the mill was transformed into its current incarnation as a nine-building loft community, the Stacks at Fulton Cotton Mill. The conversion is astonishing and serves as a shining example of how older structures can be successfully renovated rather than demolished to make way for new developments. 

During restoration of the final and oldest intact building on the property in 1999 (Mill #1), a spectacular fire devastated the structure. The fire made international news, as a dramatic helicopter rescue of a worker trapped on a crane unfolded on live TV and captivated audiences around the world. Despite the nearly complete destruction of the building, the mill rose from the ashes and the building now enjoys an even richer history, in addition to providing 150 loft residences as well as a gorgeous rooftop view of Atlanta. 

On March 14, 2008, an EF-2 tornado slammed into the Cotton Mill, destroying much of the E building, and severely damaging sections of the roof on five other buildings. The top of the water tank was blown off, and the old Bleachery ruins by the pool were toppled by the storm. The tragedy served to unite the community: residents of the property have joined together in a noble effort to once again protect the historic integrity of the mill. Preliminary plans involve reconstruction of damaged buildings, including the once-prominent ruins of the Bleachery. To view photos of the destruction, click here.

While this is inspiring and important, we must remember that many people lost everything in the tornado, and their lives are dramatically changed by this tragic event.  Please help those who lost their homes and belongings by making a donation to the Cabbagetown Initiative/Tornado Relief Fund today! 

Donations by check should be made payable to Cabbagetown Initiative/Tornado Relief, and mailed to:

Cabbagetown Initiative
c/o Cabbagetown Community Center
177 Estoria Street
Atlanta, GA 30316

Please reference the Cabbagetown Relief website when donating.

For more information on the history of the mill, click here.