MILL SPRING – The old roof has held out for more than 80 years, but its time for a new one. Stacey Bradley, owner of Stacy Bradley Roofing, said they should have the new roof for the historic Mill Spring Agriculture Center finished this week.  

Bradley said the old roof made of tin was leaking in some areas. “We’re taking off the old metal and putting on a 30-year architectural shingle roof,” he said.  

The work started about three weeks ago and, in addition to removing the old metal roofing, it has included replacing bad pieces of wood, re-flashing the walls, sealing concrete and even removing part of an old chimney and rebuilding part of the roof around it. 

Rita Harvey, who owns the Mill Spring Farm Store and manages the historic building, said with the roof repairs they will be able to make available some more studio/office space. “In the mornings the light comes in the front windows,” she said. “That’s perfect for artist studios.” 

According to Harvey, the building was originally built and used as a school until the early 1990s. It was then used for a warehouse for several years and then stood empty for years. Renovation started around eight or ten years ago and has been an ongoing process.