Jacksonville, AL — On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 3:30 PM, community members, preservationists, and city leaders gathered in front of the Profile Cotton Mill at 405 Alexandria Road SW for a media and community event advocating the mill’s preservation. The event underscored the historic significance of the mill and called for a 12-month pause on demolition discussions to explore redevelopment opportunities.
The Profile Cotton Mill, constructed in 1905, served as Jacksonville’s economic backbone for over 75 years. The rally’s organizers emphasized its potential for revitalization, drawing parallels to successful restoration projects like Prattville’s Continental Gin Complex, which transformed from an abandoned mill into a vibrant community hub completed in 2023.
David Schneider, Executive Director of Schneider Historic Preservation LLC, shared insights into his decades-long efforts to save the mill. “This building has immense potential. We’ve already spent $120,000 on plans and tax credit applications, and developers are interested again as interest rates improve,” Schneider stated. He urged city leaders to delay demolition, giving time to secure a viable development plan.
The proposed redevelopment envisions a $25–$30 million project, possibly transforming the mill into a retirement community for active seniors. Its proximity to amenities like the Chief Ladiga Trail enhances its appeal. “This isn’t just about saving a building; it’s about preserving history and creating an economic engine for Jacksonville’s future,” Schneider added.
Speakers highlighted the dangers of neglect, referencing nearby mills in Anniston and Piedmont that deteriorated after failed preservation attempts. The Profile Mill, however, remains structurally sound and secure, making it an ideal candidate for rehabilitation.
Community members expressed their deep emotional ties to the mill, which has long-standing connections to local families. “This mill was the heart of our city,” one attendee remarked. “To lose it would be to erase a vital part of our heritage.”
Advocates stressed that saving the mill requires vision and patience, urging city officials to resist the short-term gains of selling to salvage companies. The public was encouraged to explore the mill’s potential and support the cause by attending future meetings and engaging with city leadership.
Ben Nunnally, Public Information Officer for the city of Jacksonville shared, “The mill is still owned by the city, and at this time we have no signed contracts for the purchase of the building. Our intent is still the same as it was when we took ownership of the property in 2003: To be good stewards of the mill and explore the options available to us to best manage the property. We’ve had developers approach us as recently as 2017 and 2021 to try and turn the building into apartments, and those plans didn’t pan out, but we did set aside time for them in the hopes of keeping the mill alive. Our ideal outcome is development, so we’re ready to hear more from the community about ways we could make a renewal project happen.”
As Jacksonville contemplates the future of the Profile Cotton Mill, the rally served as a powerful reminder of its historical and economic significance. For the community, preserving the mill is more than a project; it’s a commitment to honoring the past while investing in a brighter future.
For the full press conference view below:
