Star Mill
The award-winning Star Mill project showcases CORE Architecture’s dedication to historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and innovative design. Originally built in 1887, the Star Mill in American Fork, Utah, stood as a historic icon—but also a deteriorating community liability. Through careful renovation and visionary planning, CORE transformed the mill into a vibrant mixed-use facility, preserving its architectural legacy while introducing modern functionality.
A key goal of the project was to maintain the original character of the mill. Much of the historic milling equipment was left in place, giving the interiors an authentic industrial aesthetic. The project also included a partial seismic upgrade, thoughtfully executed to minimize visual impact and protect the building’s historic fabric.
Two of the site’s original components—the grain crib and concrete silos—were structurally retrofitted and repurposed as core and vertical circulation elements, preserving their historic forms while integrating them into the building’s new use. The modern expansion was constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT) technology, providing structural integrity and a sustainable approach to new construction. The addition’s design echoes that of a traditional period barn, ensuring aesthetic continuity with the original mill.
Star Mill is now considered one of Utah’s premier examples of adaptive reuse architecture, demonstrating how thoughtful design can breathe new life into aging structures. CORE Architecture’s work not only preserved a piece of local history but also created a unique destination that enriches the community and sets a precedent for sustainable historic redevelopment.
- Date : 2016
- Client : Greer Co.
- Construction Cost : $ 3,600,000
- Size : 22,000 SF
- Location : American Fork, Utah