By Jackie Seabolt
Enterprise Record

COOLEEMEE – What should Cooleemee be in coming years? More specifically, what should be in the old mill building along the South Yadkin River?
How about a micro-brewery? Or a skating rink and bowling alley? Maybe apartments or condos?
Efforts to restore the old mill include plenty of chances for public input on what it should become.
A public briefing on the Cooleemee Mill Project was held last week and residents were given an update on the renovation plans for the historic building. Mayor Lynn Rumley welcomed residents and told them the Cooleemee Historical  Association proposed a mill renovation about 15 years ago.
“A majority of the people in this room tonight had ancestors that may have worked in the mill. It was the economic engine of this community. The idea is to turn it into a new economic engine for Cooleemee.”
The Cooleemee Mill closed in 1969 and had employed nearly 1800 workers in the 600,000 square feet facility.
Rumley said that a two year design phase was beginning which would include a comprehensive reuse development plan and an environmental study.
That work will be led by Mac Jordan of Sellers, Inc. who is responsible for redevelopment of the old mill in Saxapahaw …