Colfax Cotton Gin Breaks Ground

The long-planned transformation of the historic Colfax Cotton Gin in Ellenboro moved forward Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The new Cotton Gin Park is expected to cost $1.5 million. At least $200,000 of that total will come from local taxpayers — $100,000 from the Town of Ellenboro’s budget and $100,000 from the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority, which uses occupancy tax revenue. A $450,000 North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant will also support the project, with the remainder expected from additional grants and private donations.

The 1928 gin, a relic of the area’s agricultural and industrial roots, will be reimagined as a public park with a pavilion, stage, playground, walking trail, public art, and educational displays. Landscape architect Ed McLean said the team hopes to incorporate original mill elements to help tell the story of the site.

Mayor Liz Blanton said the infusion of outside grant funding has accelerated the construction timeline, bringing the town closer to breaking ground than originally expected.

More information on the project is available through Rutherford Bound, part of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority. TDA Executive Director Don Cason praised the partnership behind the project, but some residents argue that even established plans still require adequate public notice when major spending decisions are finalized.

The gin operated for more than 80 years and remains a significant part of Ellenboro’s heritage. Whether the original structure can be preserved will depend on securing additional funds, according to planners from Destination by Design (DbD). 

DbD has a contract with TDA to work on numerous projects in Rutherford County, including managing engineering bids in Chimney Rock Village for Hurricane Helene recovery projects.