A New Chapter for Chatham Mills in Pittsboro

A familiar Chatham County landmark is entering a new chapter.

Chris Ehrenfeld, owner and CEO of BOLD Companies, has acquired Chatham Mills in Pittsboro, with plans to preserve the character of the historic property while creating new opportunities for businesses and future growth.

Located just half a mile north of the Pittsboro traffic circle, Chatham Mills has become a destination for dining, shopping, events and locally owned businesses. The property sits on 32 acres and includes approximately 25,000 square feet of currently available commercial space.

Preserving a Piece of Pittsboro History

Chatham Mills first opened in 1925 and was once the largest woven clothing label manufacturer in the world. After the mill closed in 1997, Tom Roberts acquired the property and began transforming the historic buildings into the commercial center the community knows today.

“This property has been a passion for Tom for nearly three decades,” Ehrenfeld said. “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.”

Today, Chatham Mills is home to a diverse collection of businesses. Longtime restaurateur Greg Lewis and Yolo Entertainment Group operate The Sycamore, 39 West Catering and Forest Hall at the property. Chatham Marketplace, a local grocery co-op, has served as an anchor tenant for 20 years.

Other businesses include Deep Water Jujitsu, Magnolia Roots Luxury Salon Suites, Chatham Social Dance and Xyzagen, a boutique contract research organization headquartered at Chatham Mills.

Looking Toward the Future

For Ehrenfeld, the acquisition represents another long-term investment in Chatham County and the continued growth taking place throughout Pittsboro.

The immediate priority is supporting the businesses already at Chatham Mills while bringing additional tenants to the property.

“Our first goal is to preserve and improve what is already here,” Ehrenfeld said. “We have a nice mix of tenants currently and about 25,000 square feet to fill. We intend to get that space occupied, which will bring more life and energy to the property.”

BOLD Commercial Real Estate will lead leasing efforts, working with prospective businesses that complement the existing tenant mix and the character of Chatham Mills.

Interest in the available space has already been encouraging, according to Ehrenfeld.

“Chatham Mills is already an important part of Pittsboro, and that is what made this opportunity so exciting,” he 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.”

The property's 32 acres also provide opportunities beyond the existing buildings.

“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.”

Continued Investment in Chatham County

The Chatham Mills acquisition builds on Ehrenfeld's longstanding involvement in Chatham County, where he lives and where several BOLD Companies businesses are headquartered.

His local investments include 501 Landing, the business district of Governors Village and the BOLD Building. BOLD Development Group is also behind several residential communities in Chatham County, including Gallant Reserve, Noble Reserve, Valiant Reserve, Hamlets Reserve and Intrepid Reserve.

Through the BOLD Foundation, Ehrenfeld and the BOLD team also support programs benefiting children and families throughout the county. Ehrenfeld has previously served as chair of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation, the Chatham Education Foundation and the Central Carolina Community College Foundation.

For residents of Governors Club and the surrounding area, the acquisition is another example of the investment and growth continuing throughout Chatham County, particularly as Pittsboro evolves while retaining the local businesses and historic places that give the community its character.

Businesses interested in leasing opportunities at Chatham Mills can contact BOLD Commercial Real Estate at 919-883-5502 or visit boldcre.com.