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Robertson Paper Mill Historic Interpretive Kiosk

Goals:
Create an interpretive historical kiosk to celebrate the industrial history of Bellows Falls and the last operating paper mill, slated to be demolished and redeveloped as a part of the Targeted Brownfields Assessment Program. Earmarked from clean up funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Targeted Brownfields Assessment Program, the interpretive kiosk set out to meet four goals:

1) Satisfy mitigation requirements as set forth in the Section 106 Review Report (2016) in terms of preserving significant historic and architectural elements of the Robertson Paper Mill.

2) Recognize and celebrate the industrial and cultural history of Bellows Falls, a contin-uing need as outlined by the Rockingham Town Plan (2016) and Bellows Falls Island Growth Plan (2013).

3) Contribute to critical placemaking on Bellows Falls Island which will encourage additional pedestrian and bicycling activity on the island whereby helping to meet “healthy communities” goals per the Island Grown Plan as well as increased public safety. Also, to aid in a more amenable environment for the growth of economic development opportunities.

4) Meet sustainable green aspirations for the Island by recycling materials from the site to incorporate into this project as well as additional elements for an historic preser-vation and cultural walking trail.
Strategy:
The Robertson Paper concept historic kiosk was many years in the making. Prior to the demolition of the mill in 2019, the project was conceptualized by local creative team Creative Catalyst Communications in conjunction with Bellows Falls Area Development Corporation (BFADC) as a “Window on the Past” to give viewers the experience of looking through a window at the “ghost” of the building where it once stood.

To execute the vision, Creative Catalysts teamed up with local metal artist and sculptor, Rich Gillis. The trio was on hand prior to the deconstruction of the mill in 2019, to identify elements to repurpose for the creation of the kiosk including lintels, I-beams, stabilizing stars, and original bricks. Creative Catalysts also worked with a local woodworker and engraver, Moorhouse Made, to etch the image into a thick piece of plexiglass to serve as the window.
Deliverables:
  • Develop kiosk concept
  • Design kiosk content including building image window and historic content panel
  • Project management of every aspect of the project through completion
  • Budget management
  • Hire and manage contractors
  • Build webpage on existing town site
    • Results:
    After demolition and hazardous materials removal on the property, just as the team was ready to get to work, the Covid-19 pandemic hit causing numerous delays in the completion of the project, including prolonged timelines in site selection and preparation. The kiosk was finally assembled onsite in September 2023, celebrating the critical role of the mill in the history and culture of Bellows Falls.
    "The projects (Creative Catalysts) have been involved with in Bellows Falls are polished and evoke the emotion of the region's rich history. The Robertson Paper Mill kiosk celebrates the building as it was and its rich history as the last operating paper mill in Bellows Falls.
    The loss of the building was felt throughout the community. Recently a local resident shared her gratitude through tears for this kiosk made of salvaged pieces of the building, and features an etching of the building, a memorial for days gone by."
    – Betsy Thurston, Director of Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance

    Project Date

    2018 - Present

    Project Type

    Placemaking

    Client

    Town of Rockingham

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