Vicksburg Paper Mill Before & During Restoration: Kalamazoo Co.

The Vicksburg Paper Mill in Kalamazoo County started out as the Lee Mill, built from 1903-1905. Its purpose was to churn out paper products – mainly writing paper - made from discarded and old cotton items. With its enormous success, and a peak production of 17 tons, the mill was the “economic and cultural engine of the community.”

It almost lasted a full 100 years, but it closed down in 2001 and has since become an entry on the National Register of Historic Places.

Now there is a project to restore the old mill.

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The attempt is to preserve the historic look of the mill, but its purpose will not be to resume making paper products. It will become a business mall of sorts, or a “mixed-use campus” as their website says.

According to their site, the mill attractions they are planning for are:
APARTMENTS
BAND REHEARSAL SPACES
BANQUETS
BEER GARDENS
BEER TASTING ROOM
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
BREWING MUSEUM
CONFERENCE AND MEETING ROOMS
CRAFT BREWING
GIFT SHOP
MUSIC VENUES, INDOORS AND OUT
OFFICES
OUTDOOR RECREATION
RECORDING STUDIOS
WALKING TRAILS

Construction began in 2019 and much of the clutter and asbestos have been removed.

As far as when the new, improved mill will open, the Old Stove Taproom and event space is expected to be ready to open in 2025 with the Cone Top Brewery Museum shortly thereafter. The whole project should be ready for the public by 2026.

The gallery below shows some photos of the mill before reconstruction – inside and out – as well as some renovation images.