Plans are underway to turn a historic Wayne County building into a booming business. Many people in Hawley refer to it as "The Castle." The Hawley Silk Mill definitely has a unique look to it. Now that it's empty, locals are hoping the new plans will bring life back to their "Castle."
Ron Finan, owner of Finan's Barber Shop said, "It takes a lot of courage to go into business in a small town." If that's the case, it looks like project executive Troy Bystrom and the local investors he's working will need plenty of courage to renovate the Hawley Silk Mill.
Bystrom explained, "The building doesn't have a lot of architectural detail in it, because it was basically a factory but it does have some cool features. It has a main staircase and we also have this really interesting hydro-electric system."
The open space will be turned into retail and office space, using $5 million to $7 million from local investors. They are hoping to attract local artists, produce vendors and a sporting goods outfitter to fill the first floor.
"Someone made the comment to me the other day that you can't buy a swimsuit within 20 miles of Hawley, but we have one of the biggest lakes in the area," said Bystrom.
He added the silk mill was built in 1880 and produced textiles for more than a century. Antique retailers took over the space in the 1990s, but it didn't last. A silk mill museum is also in the new plans, to preserve the history of this unique building.
While Bystrom is still looking for tennants for the silk mill, a smaller, adjacent building is also part of the property. It's all set to open as a coffee shop this October.
The third floor will be turned into classroom space. Developers and locals hope a community college will open a campus here.
Frank Sampson from Hawley said, "Maybe a lot of local kids here can get an education that they otherwise wouldn't get."
Bystrom said just a few weeks ago, the silk mill was accepted on the National Register of Historic Places. He added the first floor retail space should be ready for business by next summer.
Ron Finan, owner of Finan's Barber Shop said, "It takes a lot of courage to go into business in a small town." If that's the case, it looks like project executive Troy Bystrom and the local investors he's working will need plenty of courage to renovate the Hawley Silk Mill.
Bystrom explained, "The building doesn't have a lot of architectural detail in it, because it was basically a factory but it does have some cool features. It has a main staircase and we also have this really interesting hydro-electric system."
The open space will be turned into retail and office space, using $5 million to $7 million from local investors. They are hoping to attract local artists, produce vendors and a sporting goods outfitter to fill the first floor.
"Someone made the comment to me the other day that you can't buy a swimsuit within 20 miles of Hawley, but we have one of the biggest lakes in the area," said Bystrom.
He added the silk mill was built in 1880 and produced textiles for more than a century. Antique retailers took over the space in the 1990s, but it didn't last. A silk mill museum is also in the new plans, to preserve the history of this unique building.
While Bystrom is still looking for tennants for the silk mill, a smaller, adjacent building is also part of the property. It's all set to open as a coffee shop this October.
The third floor will be turned into classroom space. Developers and locals hope a community college will open a campus here.
Frank Sampson from Hawley said, "Maybe a lot of local kids here can get an education that they otherwise wouldn't get."
Bystrom said just a few weeks ago, the silk mill was accepted on the National Register of Historic Places. He added the first floor retail space should be ready for business by next summer.
