While some see the crumbling remains of an old paper mill, others see a canvas riddled with art supplies, an acoustically unique concert hall or an open space to write.
The historic site of the Lee Paper Mill has become a workshop for artists brought from across the world to Vicksburg, Michigan through the Prairie Ronde Artist Residency.
The residency program started earlier this year and was made possible by Paper City Development, who owns the paper mill and plans to redevelop the historic site into a mixed-use facility. Plans for the site include a brewery and beer garden, restaurant, retail center, craft food and beverage production facility, offices, arts community, museum, 42 apartments and events spaces.
The redevelopment will continue a history of innovation in the area while ushering in creative minds, John Kern, Paper City Development community outreach and Education coordinator, said.
“This is all part of the process,” Kern said. “The philosophy we have been taking on as we’ve been thinking about redeveloping the mill is, how can we create a place that convenes and celebrates creative people?”