Winsmith Mill Transformed into Eclectic Shopping Center and Creative Hub (CBS-4)-September 22, 2022

A historic industrial landmark with roots spanning over two centuries has found a vibrant second life as a thriving hub for local commerce, art, and entrepreneurship. The historic Winsmith Mill—originally established as a tannery and later utilized to manufacture bomber jackets during World War II—has been successfully repurposed into a unique marketplace and creative community space.

Eclectic Marketplaces and Local Artisans

Operating within the historic mill are entrepreneurs Brittany Carter and Tara Lyon, who manage two expansive eclectic marketplaces: Shiplap and Chandeliers and Out of the Closet. Together, the spaces host over 100 independent vendors offering a diverse array of goods, ranging from antique furniture and vintage clothing to local handmade items.

The upper levels of the mill serve as dedicated artist lofts and professional studios. Among them is Dina K Photography, operated by photographer Dina Konovalov, who utilizes the building’s abundant natural light and open layout to fuel her creative work.

Creative Workshops and The Fall Out Shelter

Beyond retail shopping, the mill functions as an active center for hands-on learning, hosting weekly weekday workshops covering furniture painting, jewelry making, and other artisanal crafts.

Another standout feature of the property is The Fall Out Shelter, a professional recording studio and intimate live music venue. Managed by Bill Hurley over the past seven years, the space was ingeniously converted from a former flood tank into a performance area capable of accommodating an 80-person audience.

The mill is open to the public from Friday through Sunday, with weekday classes and workshop registrations available online via shiplap-chandeliers.com.

Original reporting: CBS Boston