A New Chapter for Chatham Mills: Preserving Its Past While Planning for the Future

Bold Real Estate

11 minutes ago

3 min read

Chatham Mills has been part of Pittsboro’s story for more than a century. Now, the historic property is entering a new chapter.

Chris Ehrenfeld, owner and CEO of BOLD Companies, has acquired Chatham Mills, a 32-acre property located just half a mile north of the Pittsboro traffic circle.

For Ehrenfeld, the acquisition represents both an investment in a landmark property and a long-term commitment to the continued growth of Pittsboro and Chatham County.

“This property has been a passion for Tom for nearly three decades,” Ehrenfeld said, referring to longtime owner Tom Roberts. “Tom had a tremendous amount of interest when he decided he wanted to sell the property. I am honored that he selected me to carry on his legacy of continuing to improve this beautiful property.”

Building on More Than 100 Years of History

Chatham Mills first opened in 1925 and at one point was the largest woven clothing label manufacturer in the world.

After the mill closed in 1997, Roberts purchased the property and began transforming the historic buildings into the commercial destination they are today.

Chatham Mills is now home to a mix of dining, retail, office, wellness and event businesses. Current tenants include The Sycamore, 39 West Catering, Forest Hall, Chatham Marketplace, Deep Water Jujitsu, Magnolia Roots Luxury Salon Suites, Chatham Social Dance and Xyzagen.

Preserving that existing character is a central part of the vision for what comes next.

“Our first goal is to preserve and improve what is already here,” Ehrenfeld said.

Strengthening the Property Today

Before looking toward future development, the immediate focus is on strengthening the existing Chatham Mills property.

Approximately 25,000 square feet of commercial space is currently available, and BOLD Commercial Real Estate will lead leasing efforts for the property.

“We have a nice mix of tenants currently and about 25,000 square feet to fill,” Ehrenfeld said. “We intend to get that space occupied, which will bring more life and energy to the property.”

Adding complementary businesses will help build on Chatham Mills’ role as an established destination in Pittsboro while creating a stronger foundation for future growth.

Long-Term Development Potential in the Heart of Pittsboro

Beyond the existing mill buildings, the 32-acre property includes significant undeveloped land.

That creates a rare opportunity to thoughtfully consider how the property can evolve alongside Pittsboro.

“In the years ahead, we will certainly look to develop more of the property,” Ehrenfeld said. “It has so much potential. It is rare to have this much undeveloped land in the town center of a booming town like Pittsboro. We’re excited to see the whole area transform in the years ahead.”

For BOLD Development Group, that potential reflects the kind of long-term thinking that guides development throughout Chatham County: understanding the land, respecting the character of the surrounding community and identifying opportunities to create lasting value.

Any future plans for Chatham Mills will begin with what already makes the property special.

“Chatham Mills is already an important part of Pittsboro, and that is what made this opportunity so exciting,” Ehrenfeld said. “We want to build on what is already here, support the businesses that call Chatham Mills home and create opportunities for businesses that will contribute to the property and the surrounding community.”

Continuing to Invest in Chatham County

The Chatham Mills acquisition adds to Ehrenfeld’s existing investment and development work throughout Chatham County.

His commercial investment properties include 501 Landing, the business district of Governors Village and the BOLD Building. Current residential developments include Gallant Reserve, Noble Reserve, Valiant Reserve, Hamlets Reserve and Intrepid Reserve.

Through BOLD Development Group, the focus remains on creating projects that respond to the continued growth of the area while contributing to the communities around them.

Chatham Mills now represents one of the most distinctive opportunities in that portfolio: a historic property with an active business community, undeveloped land and significant potential for the years ahead.

Chatham Mills in the News

The acquisition and plans for Chatham Mills have also received coverage from local and regional media:

To learn more about BOLD Development Group and its work throughout Chatham County and the Triangle, visit the BOLD Development website.