Mill Store 1865

Hi, Friends. It’s always exciting and inspiring to me when I see dormant buildings get new life and become active parts of their communities again. Sometimes, it takes a short while for the transformation, and other times, it can take decades. The Bennington Mill building is a long vacant gem that has now been transformed as a destination for the arts, shopping, and housing in Bennington, VT. Owner Vance Chatel has spent the past year transforming this space, ensuring that both local residents and seasonal visitors find a reason to make it a permanent fixture on their daily routes and vacation travels.

The brick building, located at 121 Benmont Avenue, was originally built as the mill company store, and features Italianate styling reminiscent of the main mill buildings from the 1860s. It is part of the Holden–Leonard Workers Housing Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. 

Mark your calendars for the Grand Opening of Mill Store 1865 on June 19 at 11am. You’ll be able to shop unique items and browse the current art exhibit, which showcases the work of Bruce Chatel, Kate McPhee, Michael Purcell, and Danni Rodriguez. See you all there!

The Historic Mill Store Building in Bennington Gets a New Purpose

We are excited to announce the grand opening of MILL STORE 1865 on June 19, 2026! MILL STORE 1865 will occupy the entire ground level of this Victorian-era mill store as an art gallery, vintage home boutique, and gift shop. As a new cultural venue in the Shires, Mill Store 1865 will feature rotating art exhibits, curated vintage furniture, unique objects, collectibles, workshops, and gifts. This new establishment will offer a unique shopping experience for local art lovers and vintage shoppers, leaving a lasting impression on tourists in Bennington and the entire Berkshire region.

MILL STORE 1865 is named to honor the building's original name and use as a mill store for the workers of the Bennington Mill. Owner Vance Chatel has spent the past year transforming this long vacant and deteriorating building into a unique mixed commercial and residential space. His passion for Victorian-era architecture made this building an ideal location for his vision of fostering creativity, spurring independent business growth, and building community. 

A piece from the current exhibit on display at the Mill Store 1865

Mill Store 1865 will become a cultural hub for the area, attracting tourism, and revitalizing this nineteenth century building. After closing his bed and breakfast and selling his small farm in Massachusetts, Chatel was torn between Manchester, Hoosick Falls, and Bennington for his new project. However, intrigued by the transformative effect that the arts can have on old mill towns, Bennington quickly became his top choice. With 12 years of experience as an innkeeper near the world-famous Brimfield flea market, Chatel had honed his skills as a collector of unique treasures and established himself as a talented interior decorator. His inn, filled with beautiful art and objects, exuded eclectic, easy charm and developed a brand of inviting interior spaces for guests from all over the world. 

Mill Store 1865 represents his newest project, and he eagerly anticipates the opening on June 19 to continue evolving as a curator and to integrate into his new community in Bennington.

For more information, contact Vance Chatel at millstore1865@gmail.com or 413-277-8788.