Architects of The Mill at Prattville receive prestigious honor award

“This adaptive reuse project transformed a derelict property into a 127-unit apartment complex that celebrates the site’s historic foundation as well as its industrial evolution.

Central to the project was the meticulous historic preservation of buildings dating from 1848 to 1957. Approved by the National Parks Service, this included façade restoration and repointing, steel window restoration, wood window restoration and replacement, and roof replacement. Non-original openings and loading entries were filled with dark storefront glazing to contrast the original openings and preserve their open appearance.

While the primary objective was to reveal the original buildings long obscured by subsequent metal building additions, care was also taken to preserve traces of the site’s more recent industrial past. Steel bridges were preserved as elevated links between buildings that offer unique vantage points, while a crane system and steel roof purlins remain on display between original buildings and showcase the complex’s evolution. Repurposed metal structures now provide covered parking and shade at the entrance drive, celebrating arrival to the complex. Even large portions of concrete paving, retaining traces of original rail lines and loading docks, were preserved. Remnants of demolished concrete were also repurposed as landscape pavers.”

Photos by @robculpepper_