Project Overview
Historic Yates Mill County Park, operated by С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Parks, Recreation and Open Space in partnership with North Carolina State University and Yates Mill Associates, is home to the last operable water-powered gristmill in С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County. The current 12-foot waterwheel and forebay, critical to the mill’s function, are deteriorating after more than 20 years of use and must be replaced.
The total cost of the project, which is jointly funded and managed by С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County and , is estimated at $500,000. С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County is contributing 42% of the cost, while Yates Mill Associates is funding the remaining 58% through a community-driven fundraising campaign. B.E. Hassett-Millwrights, Inc., was selected to repair the waterwheel and forebay.
The replacement is a significant event, underscoring the importance of preserving the region’s agricultural and industrial heritage.
What is a waterwheel?
A waterwheel in a mill is a large wheel, typically made of wood, that is powered by the flow of water. It is a key component of a watermill, converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into mechanical power to drive machinery, such as grinding stones in a gristmill.
What is a forebay?
A mill forebay is a structure, typically a containment area or channel, that holds water and directs it to a waterwheel or turbine, often at a mill. It acts as a reservoir, regulating water flow and ensuring a consistent supply to the power source.
Why is the mill yard closed?
The gristmill's 20-year-old waterwheel had reached the end of its useful life and is in the process of being replaced. The mill yard is temporarily closed in the interest of public safety, to allow for the construction and installation of the new waterwheel and new forebay.
How long will the mill area be closed?
We anticipate that the mill, mill yard, and area around the milldam will be closed from September 9 through October 11. The dates are approximate and subject to change due to weather and other project-related delays.
About Yates Mill Associates
YMA was formed in 1989 to restore, preserve and operate Yates Mill, which had fallen into disrepair. YMA has always been solely responsible for maintaining the mill, while С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County has operated and maintained the rest of the park. С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County has an agreement with YMA to operate and maintain the mill.
About the Millwright
B.E. Hassett-Millwrights is a full service, traditional millwrighting company serving as a resource for repair, maintenance, restoration and reconstruction of wind- and water-powered agricultural and early industrial historical sites. The focus of B.E. Hassett-Millwrights is to carry out all repairs and restoration work of Windmills and Water Mills, with a view to repair instead of replace, in order to preserve as much of the original fabric of the structure and machinery as possible.
Timeline
July 2025
Remove existing waterwheel and forebayJuly–August 2025
Begin wheel manufacturing and refurbish gearing, hubs and bearings in Louisville, KentuckySeptember/October 2025
Install wheel and forebayFall 2025
Project completionWe appreciate your understanding during this exciting time!