State & Federal Tax Credits
100 Ellison Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
1940
Bryan Beal
Project Plus Architects, P & F Construction, Rogers Lewis Group
The Mill at Fountain Inn
By leveraging federal and state historic tax credits and adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, the transformation of the Ellison Flour Mill into a vibrant food and beverage destination revitalized three historic buildings while preserving their industrial character. The interiors retain original materials such as wood decking, exposed columns, and hardwood floors, while thoughtful updates like food stalls, accessible ramps, and metal awnings balance preservation with modern use. With careful attention to historic features and strategic site planning, the project successfully converted a long-abandoned mill into a dynamic gathering place that celebrates its industrial past. This project was recognized with a 2025 South Carolina Preservation Honor Award for its outstanding achievement in historic rehabilitation.
Built in the early 20th century, the Ellison Flour Mill complex originally served as a key industrial site in the town of Fountain Inn. It included three primary structures: the Roller Mill, the Flour Warehouse, and the Wall Street Warehouse. The complex played an important role in local food production and commerce, with its architecture reflecting the utilitarian design typical of working grain mills that supported the region’s agricultural economy.
Over time, the mill fell into disuse and the buildings sat vacant for years as they became overgrown and deteriorated. In 2022, the structures were listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which set the stage for preservation and rehabilitation efforts. After nearly two years of planning and construction, the site reopened in 2024 as the Mill at Fountain Inn. It now serves as a food hall, brewery, and community gathering space that honors the mill’s industrial legacy while giving it new life.
