Pittsboro, NC – Chris Ehrenfeld, owner and CEO of BOLD Companies, has acquired Chatham Mills in Pittsboro.
The acquisition marks a new chapter for the historic Pittsboro property, which has become a well-known destination for local businesses, dining, events and community activity.
Chatham Mills first opened in 1925 and at one point was the largest woven clothing label manufacturer in the world. The mill closed in 1997 and was acquired that year by Tom Roberts, who converted the historic mill buildings into the retail center they are today.
“This property has been a passion for Tom for nearly three decades. 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,” Ehrenfeld said.
Current tenants at Chatham Mills include Yolo Entertainment Group, owned by longtime restaurateur Greg Lewis, which runs three businesses at the property: The Sycamore restaurant, 39 West Catering and Forest Hall event space. Chatham Marketplace, a local grocery co-op, has been the property’s anchor for 20 years. Other tenants include Deep Water Jujitsu, Magnolia Roots Luxury Salon Suites and Chatham Social Dance. Chatham Mills is also home to the headquarters of Xyzagen, a boutique contract research organization.
For Ehrenfeld, the acquisition reflects a continued investment in Chatham County and a long-term commitment to the area’s growth. The goal is to preserve the character that makes Chatham Mills distinctive while thoughtfully positioning the property for its next chapter.
“Our first goal is to preserve and improve what is already here. 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,” Ehrenfeld said.
Chatham Mills sits on 32 acres of land, located half a mile north of the Pittsboro traffic circle.
“In the years ahead, we will certainly look to develop more of the property. 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,” Ehrenfeld said.
BOLD Commercial Real Estate will lead leasing efforts at Chatham Mills, working to support the property’s existing businesses while identifying new tenants that complement the character of Chatham Mills and the continued growth of 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.”
Businesses interested in leasing opportunities at Chatham Mills can contact BOLD Commercial Real Estate at 919-883-5502 or visit boldcre.com.
For Ehrenfeld, this acquisition is another extension of his investment in Chatham County. In addition to living in the county, he operates numerous businesses headquartered there, 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, and his current residential developments in the county include Gallant Reserve, Noble Reserve, Valiant Reserve, Hamlets Reserve and Intrepid Reserve.
Ehrenfeld also gives back to the local community through his nonprofit, the BOLD Foundation, which runs numerous programs supporting local children. He has served as chair of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation, the Chatham Education Foundation and the Central Carolina Community College Foundation.