The Town of Hillsborough has adopted an ordinance that will grant local historic landmark status to two of the town’s mills.

The former Bellevue Manufacturing Company and Eno Cotton Mill buildings will enjoy the new designation after the ordinance passed the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners.

Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens says this decision will spur growth in the area.

“That will help in their redevelopment,” he says. “It will be great for economic development and provide a lot of new residencies and amenities in Hillsborough.”

Stevens adds they have proof of the potential ramifications because the Eno Mill has been used as a host for area small businesses for decades.

“Mystery Brewing has their facilities in there,” he says. “Weaver Street has their facility in there. It’s been a great incubator for a lot of small businesses, and some businesses have gotten to be pretty substantial.”

While the Eno Mill has served as that small business incubator, the Bellevue Mill can provide additional housing in Hillsborough. “The Bellevue Mill has been approved for the last five years for a little bit more than 100 apartments or condominiums,” Stevens says.

Stevens says that they are hopeful the 50% reduction in property taxes that come with the landmark status will enable the Bellevue Mill developer to move forward.

Mayor Stevens says he believes that the additional housing from the development of the Bellevue Mill – coupled with the entrepreneurship that is being developed at the Eno Mill – will provide a major economic boost to Hillsborough and the surrounding area.

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough: License Plate Readers, Land Use 2050, New Police Chief Ceremony
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, October 14, discussing town news and events. He talked about the county's Land Use 2050 Plan, and how there are some areas that may be at issue for Hillsborough. He also talked about the town getting a new license plate reader system and the pushback from some community members on that. He talked about the ceremony for new Police Chief Jason Winn, and more.
Hillsborough’s Noir at the Bar Returns to Yonder with Star-Studded Lineup of Literary Talent – Oct. 16
Founded in 2019, Noir at the Bar has become a cornerstone of Hillsborough’s thriving arts scene—and a compelling reason for Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents to explore the vibrant cultural offerings just up the road. This free event regularly draws packed crowds and has hosted talent from across the country, all reading original or published work in quick-hit, electrifying performances.
Hillsborough: Flood Update, Business Update, Upcoming Events
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, October 7, discussing town news and events. He gave an update on flood recovery in Hillsborough, with most of the parks space around town reopened, replacement vehicles ordered, and private residents recovering as well. He also discussed local businesses around Hillsborough, including some recent openings. He also talked about upcoming community news and events and more.
Hillsborough's Riverwalk, Gold Park Fully Reopen After Repairs From July's Flooding
Both Hillsborough's Gold Park and Riverwalk Greenway are back open to the public following damages from July’s historic flooding during Tropical Depression Chantal.
Hillsborough: Gold Park and River Walk Reopen, Parking Study
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 30, discussing town news and events. He discussed major takeaways from a recent parking study the town commissioned from a consultant. He also discussed the recent reopening of Gold Park and sections of River Walk that had been closed since Tropical Depression Chantal back in July. He also previewed upcoming town events and more.
Hillsborough Adopts Parking Study to Help Optimize Existing Town Parking Options
The Town of Hillsborough recently adopted a parking study assessing its parking supply and demand across downtown and West Hillsborough.
Hillsborough: Police Chief Named, Commissioners Work Session, Transportation Update
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 24, discussing town news and events. He discussed the town manager's naming of Jeff Winn as the permanent police chief after serving in the role on an interim basis for the last several months. He also discussed the most recent board of commissioners meeting, which saw a couple of updates on transportation projects and goals for the town. He also talked about the town's leaf collection practices, upcoming events, and more.
Hillsborough: Affordable Housing, Parking Study, NARCAN Training
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 9, discussing town news and events. He talked about the approval a housing development that will provide "naturally occurring affordable housing" in town. He also shared some preliminary results from a downtown parking study, shared details of a NARCAN training at the recent board of commissioners meeting, and more.
Hillsborough Police: Month-Long Drug Investigation Leads to 2 Arrested, Charged
A pair of Hillsborough residents face several drug charges following a sting operation by law enforcement on Friday.
Hillsborough: Water Treatment Tours, Scam Alert, Upcoming Board Meeting
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 2, discussing town news and events. He discussed upcoming public tours of the town's water treatment facilities and the increased interest around those facilities given recent flooding and loss of BRIC funding from the federal government. He also warned of a recent scam with scammers posing as the Town. He previewed a busy Board of Commissioners meeting coming up early next week, and more.
›