Photos Hardy Realty
In the heart of downtown Rome, where the charm of Broad Street meets the peaceful flow of the Etowah River, The Cotton Warehouse is poised for a stunning transformation. This 68,000-square-foot historic structure, originally built as a cotton warehouse before the 1900s, is being restored and reimagined into a dynamic, multi-use market. A project powered by the passion of its diligent real estate agent, Jimmy Kelley, and the Brooks Building Group, the revival of The Cotton Warehouse is bringing together food, retail, fitness, and more under one massive, approximately 68,000-square-foot roof.
“The building is being restored with a blend of its original charm and modern touches,” Kelley shared. “We’ve maintained the feel of the historic wooden beams and added tongue and groove deck roofs, while parts of the floors have been rebuilt with wood, and others with concrete.”
As part of the redevelopment, The Cotton Warehouse already has two pending tenants, which will occupy the middle of the building. Kelley is seeking additional businesses to join, with hopes of attracting more restaurants, retailers, and even a microbrewery to complete the vision. “It’s going to look so good, it’s going to scare Rome, Georgia,” Kelley said, noting how the conceptual drawings by Brooks Building Group will drastically reshape the space’s front and interior.
One of the most striking aspects of the renovation is how the project honors the building’s history. Original features, such as the Toledo scale, once used to weigh cotton bales, remain embedded in the floor, adding character and a sense of heritage. “We’ve got the old cotton scale still in place, and we’re keeping it there as a piece of history,” Kelley explained. In addition, a faded mural reading ‘Georgia-Alabama Warehouse Bonded’ on the side of the building is being restored, reminding visitors of the building’s industrial roots.
In total, The Cotton Warehouse will feature a mix of tenants, creating a vibrant environment for shopping, dining, and more. Kelley likened the development to a smaller, single-story version of Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, combining diverse elements that will appeal to a wide range of people. “We want it to be a place where people can shop, eat, drink—just spend time here.”
The renovation also includes upgrades to the building’s exterior, with a new parking lot and the addition of glass-paneled walls in the rear to open up the space and let in natural light. “There’s a big open space at the back, with a little wooden hip wall behind it, and that whole wall will be glass. It’s going to look really nice,” Kelley said.
Looking back at the project’s progress, Kelley reflected on the warehouse’s condition when they first bought it nearly two years ago. “There were sections where the floors, ceilings—everything had collapsed and rotted. Now, it’s almost unrecognizable in the best way possible. People won’t believe how beautiful it’s become.”
With its historic charm and fresh modern appeal, The Cotton Warehouse is set to become a cornerstone of downtown Rome’s growth. As Kelley pointed out, the project doesn’t just aim to fill the building with businesses but to create a true community space.
For business owners looking for a unique and exciting location, now is the time to join The Cotton Warehouse’s growing roster of tenants. With its rich history, thoughtful restoration, and prime downtown location, this market is set to become a vibrant destination where Rome’s past and future meet.
For more information on leasing opportunities, contact Jimmy Kelley at jimmyk@hardyrealty.com.
