Historic mill in west Charlotte to house massive food hall

CHARLOTTE — Portman Holdings will partner with one of the nation’s most sought-after operators of food halls to elevate dining and retail options at its Savona Mill adaptive-reuse development in west Charlotte.

The old textile mill, built in 1915, is along South Turner Avenue.

“We’ve been waiting a long time,” said Travis Bell, a board member of the Five Points Community Collaborative.

The group represents a cluster of neighborhoods surrounding the mill. Bell said 10 years ago, it was unknown if anything would happen to the property.

It will include Savona Food Works, a 30,000-square-foot hall. You can expect 25 stalls, a full-service restaurant and bar, a coffee shop, a flower market, a rooftop bar, indoor-outdoor seating, and event space.

Chloe Adler and her two colleagues already work inside the three-story part of the mill that opened during its first phase.

“I think we’re really excited about it, but also not excited about all the money we’re going to be spending over there,” Adler said.

Vera at Savona Mill Apartments is already open, and more residential plans are in the works. The property sits along the Stewart Creek Greenway.

“I think this is really going to be an anchor not just for the people who live here but for greater Charlotte to come and see what the west side is all about,” Bell said.

The developer said the plan is to bring together local entrepreneurs and chefs to fill the mill.

It’s scheduled to open sometime in 2027 in the historic West End.

The Charlotte Business Journal contributed to this article.