More Than a Museum: My Introduction to the THPS

Easterling Carpenter • December 4, 2025

The Invitation

By Easterling Carpenter

My journey with the Talisi Historical Preservation Society (THPS) began unexpectedly earlier this year. Like many great connections in a smaller city, it started with a conversation. While doing research for a college assignment, my paths crossed with Joey Wiginton, the Vice President of the THPS.

In our casual conversation, I voiced the interest I had in my hometown of Eclectic. I had been learning about their history and felt a strong pull to help preserve it. Joey’s reaction was immediate and welcoming: he invited me to look a little closer to home, here in Tallassee, and get to know the Talisi Historical Preservation Society.

I accepted the invitation, though I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. When I walked through the doors of the Tallassee Falls Museum I was pleasantly surprised. I found a live an thriving organization full of passionate citizens and knowledgeable stewards of history. Not only did I find historians well acquainted with the past, but active participants in the future of Tallassee and Alabama history. These were not merely caretakers of dusty artifacts; they were working actively to improve current historical sites and encourage knowledge and engagement in the community.

The energy was contagious. Not long after that first meeting, I joined as a member of the organization.

The work they do aligns perfectly with the spirit of redevelopment we see growing in our city. Tallassee has a rich history that is still with us. Preserving the past and telling its stories are an indispensable part of our future. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing a series of posts detailing the incredible resources I have uncovered since that night. From the Native American heritage that named our river to the industrial might that built our skyline, there is so much to explore.

I hope this series properly echoes the efforts I have seen from the society members.

A special thanks to Susan Dragone, Alan Parker, and Randall Hughey for the information provided in this series.

The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the author personally and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the City of Tallassee, the Mayor, or the City Council.

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Why Auburn University Is Studying Tallassee’s Historic Mill District — And Why Developers Are Taking Notice

By Easterling Carpenter • March 23, 2026

Tallassee’s 120,000+ SF Historic Mill Site Positioned for Redevelopment Tallassee, AL's Historic Mill complex has attracted institutional and academic interest among which, Dr. Tommy Brown at Auburn University archives seeks out mill records. This comes one year after feasibility studies confirm its viability as a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment opportunity. Tallassee Redevelopment Authority(TRA)-sponsored studies back up that potential, showing: Estimated Rental Rates of $12-$18/SF premiums as riverfront commercial real estate (as opposed $5-10/SF locally) Estimated $12 Million dollars in annual economic impact Approximately 45% in Historic Tax credits (20% Federal + 25% State) Strategic positioning between Auburn and Montgomery Existing structure in place with modern electrical, HVAC, and water , display utilities readily available Stabilized structures reduce early-stage capital risk And the TRA as its current owner, is actively seeking development partners to advance the site into its next phase. Strategic Transition This Tallassee Industrial Era property is closer than ever to its future. The site was continuously used up until 2005 as textile mill, making it one of the longest continuously operating mill sites in the nation. Due to changes in the market, the industry became underutilized and production ceased. Many Tallassee residents having worked there and through the effort of the Talisi Historical Preservation Society(THPS), have reduced investor risk. They raised over $30,000 dollars to put modern corrugated metal roofing on several of the buildings as well as restoring and currently performing upkeep. Stewardship by THPS enabled stabilization, having invested approximately $95,000 total in risk management and restoration efforts , after which ownership transitioned to the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority to facilitate professional redevelopment and investment partnerships. The TRA has sponsored professional studies as recently as 2025, which will be explored further in this article. The Tallassee, AL Location Advantage Regional positioning strengthens Tallassee’s redevelopment potential. Seated neatly between Auburn and Montgomery, it is only 10 minutes from I-85 . With Auburn, AL experiencing a 34.2% population growth between 2015 and 2023( according to GoBankingRates ), creates spillover housing and hospitality demand in nearby communities. Tallassee remains an ideal location for young families and commuting college students as well, seeing a cost of living 17% lower than the national average and 12.9% lower than the Opelika-Auburn area per PayScale . Strong school performance further supports long-term residential and workforce stability. Tallassee City Schools also stand out for young families as one of the highest rated schools by the Alabama State Report Card between Auburn and Montgomery, AL. Tallassee Elementary was scored in the 2024-2025 with a 90/A grade by the state. Tallassee's closeness to both of these cities, and access to 750,000 residents within 45 minutes act as a major opportunity for a commuting workforce. Many of which already commute to Tallassee's established industry such as GKN Aerospace, Neptune, and Hanil USA. Professional Planning Confirms the Opportunity In 2025, the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority commissioned a comprehensive redevelopment analysis conducted by Place Associates, LLC in collaboration with Leavell Design Consultants. The resulting Tallassee Mill Sites Redevelopment Report provides independent market validation, economic modeling, and phased development strategies for the site. With authorization from the Tallassee Redevelopment Authority, this article makes the study available to prospective developers and partners seeking deeper due diligence insight.