(July 23, 2014) Jackson TN – They call it a deconstruction and not demolition. Regardless of what it is called the residents of Bemis and South Jackson who have worked to save the landmark are disappointed that an option to preserve the Bemis Mill can’t be found.
Wednesday afternoon, Jackson City Mayor Jerry Gist met with a group of the citizens and gave them the news. Gist said, after several meetings with developers, engineers, and others it was clear that it was that it was not financially reasonable to keep the Mill intact.
The owners will take the building down using methods to preserve the material so they can be repurposed. The brick, beams, flooring, and other construction material will be sold.
However, Mayor Gist told the group there is an option to preserve the memory if not the structure of the Bemis Mill which was built in 1900. Gist said after trying for months to find a suitable tenant for the 400,000 sq ft building a proposal is on the table he thinks will be good for all.
After the building has been deconstructed, two acres of the land will be donated back to the city for a park. Gist says he has an offer on the table from Bemis Mill, LLC. Co-Owner Christain Morten, to donate 20,000 bricks from the Mill in addition to the property. The brick will be used to build a Memorial Wall 10 feet high with 20 feet end towers
There are still details to be resolved. First an agreement with all parties and specific details such as costs, maintenance, timetable, must be prepared. The agreement has to be approved by the Bemis Mill Committee, and the Historic Zoning Committee.
Ultimately, if completed, the Memorial Wall will have photos, inscriptions, and memorabilia from the Mill. There will be a park and possible a pavilion.
