100 years ago, Gibson Mill looked completely different. Back then, it was Gibson Manufacturing Company. Established in 1899 when R.E. Gibson partnered with local industrialist James Cannon, Gibson Mill was Plant No. 6 for the Cannon Mills Company.
Through the early 20th century, the space hummed and pulsed with over 31,000 sewing spindles. Mill workers manufactured vibrantly-colored yarns, gingham and madras fabric as well as dress goods before making towels and sheets from the 1930s through the 1980s. Gibson Mill thrived for decades.
When the mill closed in 2003, it wasn’t the end of the story. One year later, some local friends purchased the property together and reopened it for retail, office and warehouse space.
Today, Gibson Mill hums and pulses again. This time, with a fresh, fun energy. It’s a new vibe that respects our past and our present – with a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness as one of the region’s largest adaptive reuse projects.
Most importantly, Gibson Mill serves as a community-driven gathering spot with a locally sourced food hall (coming soon), craft breweries, retail, office space, and more.
This is Gibson Mill. Modern innovation built by a legacy of opportunity and community.
Cannon Mills, founded by James William Cannon, a cotton broker, and the Southern Power Company partner with R. E. Gibson to establish Gibson Manufacturing Company. These endeavors contribute to Concord becoming North Carolina’s third largest industrial center after Charlotte and Winston-Salem by 1900.
Gibson Manufacturing Company erects a three-story mill with a six-stage stair tower and adds a one-story weave room. By 1910, Gibson Manufacturing Company employs 550+ employees and has over 31,000 spindles that manufacture colored yarns, fancy ginghams and dress goods.
Gibson Manufacturing Company and eight other Cannon-owned textile plants consolidate under the “Cannon Mills Company” name. Gibson Mill becomes known as Cannon Mills' Plant No. 6.
Gibson Manufacturing Company, now Cannon Mills' Plant No. 6, produces towels and sheets. The Cannon textile enterprise continues to expand by adding to its family of mills throughout most of the twentieth century.
David H. Murdock, an American businessman, California industrialist, financier and real estate developer, purchases Cannon Mills, reorganizes management and redesigns the company’s product lines.
Murdock sells Cannon Mills to Fieldcrest. With the purchase, Fieldcrest becomes one of the largest producers of home furnishings and textile products in the world. In 1997 Pillowtex, a Dallas-based manufacturer of brand-name fabrics, purchases Fieldcrest.
Due to industry downsizing and the low-cost of textile manufacturers abroad, Pillowtex files bankruptcy and the mill closes terminating over 4,000 jobs in Cabarrus County.
A group of four local friends (Southpaw Investors) buy the Gibson Mill property (656,000 SF located on 48 acres) and restore it to accommodate new opportunities for businesses and tenants while preserving its history as one of the region’s largest adaptive reuse projects.
Gibson Mill secures tenants: Liles Construction, AutoBarn Classic Cars, The City Club Event Center, The Depot at Gibson Mill, Carolina Rustica, Cabarrus Brewing, High Branch Brewing, Valcarol Missions Escape Room and more.
Gibson Mill revamps the complex and opens a new locally sourced food hall - Gibson Mill Market - in the former 34,500 square foot weaving room.
