When most people think of a mill, they picture a rustic building where workers slave away at hazardous machines for minimum wage. They don’t think of a budding arts center where culture, history, and intellect merge in a unique location.

Since 2001, Lowe Mill has provided the Huntsville area with a place for creative minds to congregate. Artists can rent studios to create and share their work, and several small businesses provide unique foods and goods. Due to a new expansion in its north wing, AL.com estimates that the total number of working artists at Lowe Mill is now 200.

Several Bob Jones students frequent Lowe Mill, and are excited about the new expansion. “It adds a lot of diversity and opportunities to participate in unique activities that are a lot of fun,” says Lillie Robinson, a junior.

Many students appreciate the juxtaposition of modern art in an older building that Lowe Mill offers. “It’s a really good way to repurpose old buildings,” says Bob Jones senior Kali Riddlecombe. “It’s important to the community, and it provides job opportunities to artists.” The new expansion builds onto that, adding several unique venues such as a popsicle shop, distillery, and tattoo parlor to the plethora of places at Lowe Mill.

Carol Roden is an artist that recently moved into the new wing. A former marine biologist, she now works with glass to create art. She stresses the importance of art in the Huntsville community, and she thinks that Lowe Mill’s success and recent expansion is a sign of progress. “In a place like Huntsville where science and engineering are at the forefront, it’s important to have a place where creativity is at the forefront,” she says.

Lowe Mill has seen a lot of success in the community; according to WHNT.com, it is the largest private arts center in the Southeast. With its new expansion and growing popularity, Lowe Mill will continue to host events and house small businesses to add diversity to the Huntsville community.