The Windmill Winery still has plans for the south side of Butte Avenue, but the various facilities will appear in phases rather than all at once. Investors wish to build the inn, pictured at left, first, followed by a new wedding and events venue in a rebuilt cotton gin, right. / Courtesy of Windmill Winery
Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Windmill Winery
By Mark Cowling | Florence Reminder
The Windmill Winery’s expansion to the south side of Butte Avenue is still in the works but will happen more slowly than previously announced last year.
The Town Council approved a new development agreement Sept. 4 with Florence Artisan Acres, the investor group that plans to build a 25-room inn, another major event venue and other facilities. The group’s previous development agreement with the town expired.
The picturesque Windmill on West Butte Avenue, which hosts weddings from around the country and around the world, broke ground on its expansion some 16 months ago, but the site remains vacant. Windmill owner Harold Christ said after last week’s council meeting that sharp price increases in labor, lumber and steel, and the competition for contractors willing to come to Florence, are the main reasons the project has stalled.
