A New Chapter for Chatham Mills: BOLD Commercial Real Estate to Lead Leasing Efforts

Chatham Mills, one of Pittsboro’s most recognizable historic properties, is entering a new chapter.

Chris Ehrenfeld, owner and CEO of BOLD Companies, has acquired the 32-acre Chatham Mills property, located just half a mile north of the Pittsboro traffic circle.

BOLD Commercial Real Estate will lead leasing efforts for the property as Ehrenfeld looks to preserve what makes Chatham Mills distinctive while preparing it for continued growth.

The acquisition represents another significant investment in Chatham County for Ehrenfeld and creates new opportunities for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing communities.

Preserving a Piece of Pittsboro History

Chatham Mills first opened in 1925 and at one point was the largest woven clothing label manufacturer in the world. After the mill closed in 1997, Tom Roberts acquired the property and transformed the historic mill buildings into the retail, dining, office and event destination that exists today.

“This property has been a passion for Tom for nearly three decades,” Ehrenfeld said. “Tom had a tremendous amount of interest when he decided he wanted to sell the property. I am honored that he selected me to carry on his legacy of continuing to improve this beautiful property.”

Today, Chatham Mills is home to a diverse group of businesses that contribute to the property’s character and sense of community.

Yolo Entertainment Group, owned by longtime restaurateur Greg Lewis, operates three businesses at Chatham Mills: The Sycamore restaurant, 39 West Catering and Forest Hall event space.

Chatham Marketplace, a local grocery co-op, has served as an anchor tenant for 20 years. Other businesses include Deep Water Jujitsu, Magnolia Roots Luxury Salon Suites and Chatham Social Dance. The property is also home to the headquarters of Xyzagen, a boutique contract research organization.

Approximately 25,000 Square Feet Available for Lease

One of the first priorities for the property will be filling approximately 25,000 square feet of currently available space.

“Our first goal is to preserve and improve what is already here,” Ehrenfeld said. “We have a nice mix of tenants currently and about 25,000 square feet to fill. We intend to get that space occupied, which will bring more life and energy to the property. We have been very encouraged by the level of interest we have in the space already, just from word of mouth.”

BOLD Commercial Real Estate will manage leasing efforts, working with businesses interested in joining the existing mix of retail, dining, office, wellness and community-focused tenants.

The goal is not simply to fill space, but to identify businesses that complement the character of Chatham Mills and contribute to the continued growth of downtown Pittsboro and Chatham County.

“Chatham Mills is already an important part of Pittsboro, and that is what made this opportunity so exciting,” Ehrenfeld said. “We want to build on what is already here, support the businesses that call Chatham Mills home and create opportunities for businesses that will contribute to the property and the surrounding community.”

Looking Ahead at Chatham Mills

Beyond the existing buildings, the property includes significant undeveloped acreage that could create opportunities for future development.

“In the years ahead, we will certainly look to develop more of the property,” Ehrenfeld said. “It has so much potential. It is rare to have this much undeveloped land in the town center of a booming town like Pittsboro. We’re excited to see the whole area transform in the years ahead.”

That long-term vision reflects Ehrenfeld’s continued investment in Chatham County. In addition to living in the county, he operates several businesses headquartered here, including BOLD Construction, BOLD Real Estate, BOLD Commercial Real Estate and BOLD Development Group.

His Chatham County investment properties include 501 Landing, the business district of Governors Village and the BOLD Building.

Current residential developments include Gallant Reserve, Noble Reserve, Valiant Reserve, Hamlets Reserve and Intrepid Reserve.

Ehrenfeld also supports the local community through the BOLD Foundation, a nonprofit that operates programs benefiting children throughout the area. He has previously served as chair of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation, the Chatham Education Foundation and the Central Carolina Community College Foundation.

Commercial Leasing Opportunities at Chatham Mills

For businesses looking for commercial space in Pittsboro, Chatham Mills offers an opportunity to become part of an established destination with historic character, an existing tenant community and room for continued growth.

BOLD Commercial Real Estate serves business owners, investors and property owners throughout Chatham County and the greater Triangle with commercial sales, leasing and advisory services.

To learn more about available space at Chatham Mills, contact BOLD Commercial Real Estate at 919-883-5502 or visit boldcre.com.