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The Historic Cotton Mill, McKinney, Texas
Our home office is in the Cotton Mill in McKinney, Texas, formerly the Texas Cotton Mill Company. The Texas Cotton Mill Company began operation on November 1, 1910. It was reported to be one of the two mills west of the Mississippi River that manufactured colored-print cloth. The mill grew over time, adding 11,172 spindles and 376 looms by the year 1917. More equipment means more employees. 520 employees worked in the mill that same year, which in turn caused sent local population rates soaring.
The Mill created company housing for the workers immediately south of the mill during the 1910s and 1920s. Eventually, other structures were built in the immediate area. A boarding house, meeting hall and 50 single-family homes were constructed south of the plant while 25 houses were constructed to the north. The area surrounding the mill became known as Mill Town, carving out its own community within McKinney. Stores opened along modern-day Elm Street catering to mill workers.
The mill underwent frequent expansions. In 1926, local contractor, J.E. Cooper, completed a $200,000 expansion of the mill including a two-story addition on the building's east side. By 1927, the complex would grow to include the mill, an office building, three warehouses, a water tower, a cooling pond, and a concrete-lined reservoir.
In 1948, a tornado that in the McKinney area struck the mill and nearby properties causing $3,000,000 worth of damage and causing two deaths. The factory was rebuilt but was never able to fully recover. The Texas Textile Mill was in operation for six decades before shutting its doors in 1969. That same year, a furniture manufacturer purchased the property and began operation.
In 1996, the current owners purchased the property and have been steadily bringing new life into this old structure. Today, the Cotton Mill is a vibrant complex that houses offices, displays local art, and is rented out for weddings and events.
Sources: National Register Nomination Form: McKinney Cotton Mill Historic District McKinney Cotton Mill Website