Abandon Building Becomes Terre Haute’s Most Exciting Venue
Sitting on the banks of the Wabash River, the property once owned by the International Paper Company has rich roots in Terre Haute’s history that seems to keep growing. The mill, as it is known in Terre Haute, began producing paper in 1917. It continued to do so even after being bought by the International Paper Company in 1998 in their acquisition of Western Wabash Company. Up until 2007, this mill employed approximately 170 people and annually produced 200,000 tons of medium, a type of paperboard used in corrugated packaging. In 2005 the mill went under review by International Paper officials to determine its future. In August 2007, it was announced that the mill would be officially closing by the end of the year.
Years of Vacancy
After closing its doors in 2007, the building and 65+ acre property sat vacant for over ten years. In search of property for a new Vigo County jail, the mill and its property was brought back into the public’s eye. In 2017 government officials proposed the site to become the site of a new and larger Vigo County Jail. Community organizations, riverSCAPE included, advocated against the governmental decision. The community voiced their vision for the property including its potential economical benefits. Due to this, government officials eventually withdrew their rezoning request.
New Hope
After much controversy, a new proposition was made for the property. In 2018 Tim Drake and his family announced their plans for The Mill. Their vision included an outdoor concert venue that would hold between 4,000 to 5,000 people and host between 10 and 15 major shows a year. This vision also included an indoor venue that could hold about 500 people. After turning this vision into a reality, Drake and investors were able to host their first concert on June 5, 2021. This concert was able to accommodate 6,000 guests, which is only half of their expected capacity . After construction is complete and seating is put in, The Mill is expected to be able to hold 12,000 people for one show.
Success on the Banks
The Nelly concert on June 5th was filled to the brim and boasted people from all over Indiana and surrounding states, selling out all local hotels. The Mill already has many upcoming concerts scheduled for this year including well known country artists such as Lee Brice and Granger Smith. The ability to bring in these artists not only creates opportunities for great entertainment but is also extremely economically beneficial. Local hotels and restaurants are already beginning to see these benefits even with the venue being at half capacity.