The Mill: From 19th Century Factory To 21st Century Condos

In its 210 years, the brick building on Richmondville Avenue has been home to a twine mill, a candlewick factory, artists’ studios and offices.

The Mill when it was an office building, on Richmondville Avenue.

Later this month, the first owners move into The Mill. That’s the new/old name for the 31-unit luxury condo complex that has been developed — quietly, uniquely, and with an eye toward both the historic past and the modern, amenity-driven future — near the Saugatuck River, just off Main Street.

Despite initial fears by neighbors of increased traffic and noise, the project moved ahead after the 2.41-acre property, with 55,000 square feet of office space, was bought by Coastal Luxury Homes and Gault Family Companies in 2019.

The Mill: ready for occupancy.

As part of the project, the developers created off-site affordable housing. They converted a town-owned 1880 Victorian house at 136 Riverside Avenue into 5 apartments. Four are occupied by people with special needs; a fifth is rented to a staff member.

The historic house got a $2 million restoration (and landscaping) through Redniss & Mead.

136 Riverside Avenue.

On Richmondville, Coastal’s Joe Feinleib, the Gaults and Redniss worked with architects Marybeth Woods, Bruce Beinfield, Philip Hazan, Philip Cerrone and landscaper Bill Kenny to create a concept that The Mill’s website says is “inspired by European boutique hotels.”

All 31 units have different layouts, finishes and ceiling heights. Many include 12-foot windows. Several incorporate the factory’s original brick and stone work.

Primary bedroom, with stone, beams and wide plank floor.

There are 2 styles. “Vintage Modern homes honor the pre-war history of this great structure in the post and beam style, while the New Modern layouts are constructed with steel and glass.” Five units have private outdoor space.

Prices range from $1.495 million to just under $3.5 million. Most are in the $1.7 to $1.8 million range. All have 2 bedrooms, except for the penthouse. Common fees are 93 cents per square foot.

Den and living room.

The Mill’s amenities include a common area with gas fireplace, café, gym, and outdoor lounge with grills and garden.

Artist’s rendering of back yard with lounge, pool area and garden.

A concierge will be on duty 6 days a week, while a furnished guest suite can be reserved for guests.

The Mill is 35% sold. Buyers include Westport residents looking to downsize (units range from 1,400 to 2,400 square feet, out-of-staters who want to be close to family members, and New Yorkers who appreciate the full-service lifestyle, Tribeca/boutique hotel feel, easy commute and proximity to downtown.

“Hudson Malone is next door — and it’s a New York restaurant,” Feinleib notes.

The Richmondville mill has been part of Westport since the early 19th century. When the moving vans arrive this month, it pivots toward the 21st.

(For more information, click here or call 917-388-5432.)

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Nighttime at The Mill.

11 responses to “The Mill: From 19th Century Factory To 21st Century Condos

  1. It was a great location for fledgling companies ‼️

  2. Hudson Malone is next door? Not exactly. Anyway, I’d argue that Coffee An’ is much more compelling nearby amenity.

  3. Any idea whether the owners can VRBO their units?

  4. IHA (now Homes with Hope) enjoyed many years at The Mill. We were in a part of the building that was torn down, it wasn’t historic. At that time it was the most affordable office space in Westport. We could not have imagined it would ever be what it’s become.

  5. The parking garages are in the back. What protection/prevention is there from the many recent car thefts and jackings after being followed and stalked from the supermarket? Is there a security guard on duty in the back? It’s such an easy place to hide for a criminal. I have driven by and that back parking area is completely vulnerable.

    • Wow! Amazing Transformation. Beautiful and forward thinking. Enhances the neighborhood so much compared to what The Mill used to be to live next to. Also, eco-efficient use of the limited land we have in Westport, all the while adding and keeping some character. Not just another suburban sprawl. Love it! Neighbors better stay on the NO VRBO/ airbnb rules. Nothing good ever comes of that. Towns are starting to ban it, and for good reason.

    • Sad, but doesn’t everyone have to worry about that who has a detached garage, or even an unattached garage? Not a problem unique to The Mill.

    • No security guard, but there is a lot of lighting, a concierge up front for many of the hours that people are in and out, and not to mention many residents on site either looking out their views or in the community area. The crime issue is not unique to The Mill and very similar to other homes that have detached garages.

  6. Was the mill an 8-30 g project?
    I cannot remember.
    I presume not, because if it was, it would have had to provide 8 approx low income Apts,
    I’m a little confused that it created 5 apts in an old Victorian house,miles away, presumably none of them 1400 sq feet.
    Does anyone here know what that is about?

    • I assume the project would not have been feasible if 26% of the units would have been allocated as you suggest. To convert a property like that costs $$$$ and I am not sure who would shell out those kinds of $’s to equally share all the amenities with neighbors who are paying a fraction of the price, therefore increasing the monthly cost beyond the $1 per foot per month. With that said, the project would have had to be an entirely different concept. Developers are not governments. They need to show profit on the risks they take. They certainly are not out of the woods yet…they have 65% left to sell.

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