Decades ago, a textile mill in Chattanooga’s Oak Grove neighborhood once employed thousands of people.
The site of the Standard-Coosa-Thatcher Mill at 1800 S. Watkins St. covers 350,000 square feet.
Its buildings are still structurally sound, though marked by the elements and vandalism since they became vacant in the early 2000’s.
Last month, a performance series began at the site, curated by the dance and production nonprofit The Pop-up Project - and presented by Mill Town, the development that surrounds and includes the abandoned Coosa Mill.
Next in the series - on Saturday, October 15th: Mon RovÎa, the indie pop sensation fronted by Liberian-born songwriter Janjay Lowe - along with experimental pop producer Summer Dregs.
I spoke with Janjay - and Jules Downum of The Pop-up Project.