Eaton County Land Bank receives grant to help demolish Horner Mill. Here's when work could start

Rachel Greco, Lansing State Journal
Updated ·3 min read
From about 1880 to the mid-1950s, historic Horner Mill in Eaton Rapids was a thriving manufacturing site that turned out blankets and clothing.
From about 1880 to the mid-1950s, historic Horner Mill in Eaton Rapids was a thriving manufacturing site that turned out blankets and clothing.

EATON RAPIDS — Demolition of a blighted and crumbling historic mill that's stood at the corner of M-99 and Main Street for more than a century could start by August.

The news comes just more than a week after the Eaton County Land Bank Authority secured $653,000 for the work from the Michigan State Land Bank Authority.

The money will help pay to demolish seven of the eight buildings at the former Horner Woolen Mill on 7 acres in Eaton Rapids at the northern entrance to the city, paving the way for site decontamination and a mixed-use redevelopment at the property.

Horner Woolen Mills operated at 224 N. Main St. from about 1880 to the mid-1950s. A flour mill operated on the site as early as 1837, but was purchased by businessman Samuel Horner in 1880. The company later supplied wool for blankets and uniforms during World War I and World War II.

The vacant buildings have been crumbling for decades. The property has been considered an eyesore and, at times, a danger by city officials.

The total demo could cost $2.6 million

Demolition of a blighted and crumbling historic mill that's stood at the corner of M-99 and Main Street for nearly two centuries could start in August.
Demolition of a blighted and crumbling historic mill that's stood at the corner of M-99 and Main Street for nearly two centuries could start in August.

Cleaning up and rehabilitating the property is expected to cost $2.6 million, Eaton County Treasurer Bob Robinson said in an email.

"The Eaton County Land Bank believes its grant for $653k will go a long way to helping (property's owner) Mill Street LLC redevelop the site into an attractive location for commerce and residence," he said.

"The city council and city administration are thrilled to see progress with the Horner Mill property,” Eaton Rapids Mayor Pam Colestock said in the news release. “Thanks to Eaton County Treasurer Bob Robinson and the Eaton County Land Bank, we finally have positive momentum."

Demolition work could start by August and is expected to be complete by the end of this year, Robinson said. Redevelopment of the site is slated for 2024.

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Dropped lawsuit paved the way for grant

The city filed a lawsuit against the property owner, Mill Street LLC, a subsidiary of Utah-based Cache Private Capital Diversified Fund, in December demanding that the structures come down. The city dropped the litigation in April to apply for state funds to help with demolition on the property.

Mill Street LLC intends to pay for the remainder of the demolition costs at the property, said Luke Loveland, vice president of assets and funding operations for Cache Private Capital Diversified Fund, last month.

Loveland said the company is committed to redeveloping at least one building on the site, located at the intersection of Dexter Road and Main, into residential housing and mixed-use.

"...this project will serve as the catalyst for transforming the site into a captivating space that revitalizes Eaton Rapids with fresh energy and enthusiasm. Following the completion of demolition, Mill Street LLC is committed to integrating historical elements from the original site into the new development, ensuring that the rich story of the old Mill lives on,” Loveland said in a news release on Tuesday.

Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ .

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Eaton County grant to helps fund demolition of blighted Horner Mill site in Eaton Rapids