Owners of Linwood Mill Propose New Retail/Residential Plan

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette is reporting that the owners of the Linwood Mill in Northbridge, Massachusetts, have created a proposal to turn the 100-year old mill into a mixed-use facility with condos and retail space.

Mr. and Mrs. Giannopoulos bought out the mill from their partners back on July 31. The couple have teamed with the Heritage Design Group to create the proposal. Preliminary deisgns were presented to the Board of Selectmen last night.

Initial plans call for preservation of the facade of the mill (Mr. Giannopoulos has said he wants to maintain some historical aspect of the mill), a small museum on the top floor of the mill, condos, retail space, and a restaurant facing the scenic waterfall. The possibility of usig new environmental technology to power the mill is also being explored. The mill covers 116,663 square feet and stands about five stories tall. Even though it has been out of operation for some time, it has been said that the building remains structurally sound.

Because of a fire that displaced several businesses at the old Bernat Mill, the owners of the Linwood Mill have invited those tenants to tour the Linwood Mill. An antiques mall has already leased about 10,000 square feet on the main level and moved in several weeks ago.

There are possibilities for tax deductions on the property, as the Linwood Mill could be designated as an Economic Opportunity Area, meaning that they might receive state tax benefits. The owners could also apply for a 10% abandoned building state tax reduction.

There is no timeline as to when the project would begin construction.