01
01
Middlebury's Gem | Shop, Stay, Eat and Work
Where Every Floor Tells a Story. Discover Vermont and So Much More
Our Story
The Stone Mill building at 3 Mill Street is no stranger to change.
In 1789, Stillman Foot built a grist mill, beginning a long history of industrial use. In 1812, recognizing the opportunity and demand for cotton, the mill was converted to support textile production and a large stone structure almost identical to the present-day building was added. Fires in 1825 and 1836 led to the building being reconstructed in 1840 and is the same building we see today. Born as an industrial cornerstone, The Stone Mill has acted as our community’s mirror of transformation for over 230 years.
With sheep abundant in Addison County, wool had become the favored fabric and the Middlebury Manufacturing Company was born. In 1890, change struck again, and The Stone Mill responded. Its next occupant, The Middlebury Electric Company, using the power of the falls, generated the current allowing the town to convert streetlights from kerosene to electric. Despite fires continuing to plague the building, the stone shell remained intact and allowed the building to stand. Decades of continuous change proceeded. Today, The Stone Mill, as it has in the past, will once again reflect our community’s next iteration.
In October of 2017, after more than 40 years of combined business experience leading organizations through change, Mary Cullinane and Stacey Rainey left corporate America to start Community Barn Ventures, in downtown Middlebury. With a vision to support the evolution of small businesses and communities in rural Vermont and beyond, Community Barn Ventures provides a variety of advisory services to its clients and participates in the local and regional discourse. The Stone Mill Re-Development Project represents a significant opportunity to energize greater Middlebury and demonstrate the power of a carefully curated, mixed-use building design, and community engagement.
Click the icons below to learn more.
The Rooms at the Stone Mill
Sitting atop of it all are four newly renovated lodging units, distinctively decorated by Slate Home Designs of Burlington. Outfitted with modern furnishings, en suite bathrooms, cathedral ceilings, and much more. With their downtown location, these units offer visitors a unique way to experience Vermont and the greater Champlain Valley region. Footsteps from Middlebury College, local restaurants, Town Hall Theater, and Main Street shopping, staying here means you are in the middle of it all! Reserve your room today!
The Stone Mill @Work
The Stone Mill @ Work provides office space to Community Barn Ventures, the advisory business operated by Stacey Rainey and Mary Cullinane. Two other private offices are also available on annual leases. With full AV capabilities, conference spaces are available to rent for organizations looking to conduct meetings. Conference rooms can hold from 12 to 35 people. If you are interested in hosting your next meeting with us, please contact connect@communitybarnventures.com.
The Shops at The Stone Mill
The Shops at The Stone Mill provides hard goods and prepared food businesses the opportunity to participate in the greater Middlebury retail market without the daily burden of managing labor and point of sale needs. In a highly curated environment, the market has become a new daily destination for residents and visitors, offering a place to gather, shop, and purchase items ranging from gifts to dinner. Market businesses leverage a shared point of sale and personnel, minimizing the costs of entering the Middlebury market. The new approach to retail looks to demonstrate how a Connected Commerce and Community Framework can help revitalize our rural downtowns.
The Mad Taco
Every building needs a strong foundation. The Stone Mill has one of the strongest. Found embedded into the banks of Otter Creek, supporting the businesses above is The Mad Taco restaurant. With Locations in Waitsfield, Montpelier and Essex, Mad Taco offers exceptionally inspired and creative Latin cuisine. Patrons can enjoy farm fresh ingredients, the best craft beers available from Vermont and the New England region and a staff that is eager to please. With outdoor seating and a family friendly environment, The Mad Taco is Middlebury's newest destination in a downtown known to offer great food and friendly service.
Interested in Hosting Your Next Party at The Stone Mill?
Weather permitting, we offer outdoor rentals of our large deck, which can accommodate up to 80 people. Our smaller outdoor terrace is also available for rental. This space provides a more intimate setting, overlooking Otter Creek and can accommodate up to 20 people.
For more information, please contact connect@communitybarnventures.com
