Originally built in 1897, Louise Cotton Mill was the largest cotton mill in Charlotte.  It was substantially enlarged in 1901 and the additions created a U-shaped plan with a courtyard, which was not found in other Charlotte mills.  The use of slow-burning construction methods, brick construction, heavy-timber framing, large and plentiful windows and monitor roofs with clerestory windows in the original mill and its additions represent the best practices of textile mill design and technology at the time for dealing with fire resistance, structural strength, vibration, natural light, and ventilation.

It is one of only three intact cotton mills that survive in the city from the late nineteenth century and one of two surviving mills that were built or expanded in 1901. It retains significant architectural integrity of its historic location, association, setting, feeling, design, materials, and workmanship. Louise Mill operated as a cotton mill from 1897 until 1957, when it was closed.

After that time, it was mostly used as a storage building until Clachan Properties purchased the property in 2014.

For more information on the Mill’s history, please see the National Register Nomination.