THE POWERHOUSE
History can be found in every corner of Columbus, but none run as deep as Eagle & Phenix Mills. For over a century, Eagle & Phenix Mills has been a part of Columbus and continues to evolve with the city’s diverse community. From local living, special events, and wedding receptions, the PowerHouse at the Eagle & Phenix Mills provides a beautiful combination of past and present for your unforgettable riverfront event.
With a rich and varied history, the PowerHouse at the Eagle & Phenix Mills is a look back in time that creates a unique yet elegant backdrop for any occasion. Renovated and preserved for decades, this structure is almost as old as Columbus and continues to serve its community in various ways. Whether it’s for residential or commercial use, the PowerHouse at the Eagle & Phenix Mills persists as the local “go-to” place for event planning and downtown living. The Eagle & Phenix Mills is well known for their condominiums and apartments, but the PowerHouse event venue near the mills is just as notable. But to know all that Eagle & Phenix Mills has to offer, it is important to understand its rich history and how it all got started.
Long ago, the PowerHouse was the main power supply providing the necessary energy to drive the Eagle and Phenix Mills. By diverting water from the Chattahoochee, the PowerHouse harnessed the water and used it to turn multiple large turbines creating hydroelectric power for the Mills.
The early history of the PowerHouse at the Eagle & Phenix Mills began in 1860 when cotton milling operations were run by William H. Young after he absorbed the nearby Howard Factory. From this point on, Eagle Mills (as it was then called) became the second largest mill in the state of Georgia. During this time, the Eagle Mill No. 1 produced material for Confederate uniforms and other critical goods during the Civil War. However, due to poor communication, Mill No. 1 found itself the center of a terrible accident that led to the building being burned to the ground.
Over the extent of its 150-year history, the mill underwent modifications and renovations to its structure. But in December of 2003, the mill property was repurchased by W. C. Bradley Co., and as the present owners, they are dedicated to preserving history and restoring the mills to their original state from the early 1900s. A part of these renovations included a $3 million project that restored the two historic powerhouses that sit on an island in the Chattahoochee River behind Mill No. 3. After completing restorations, the PowerHouse boasts as the only event venue in Columbus that's located on the Chattahoochee River, making for a beautifully unique location.
The PowerHouse boasts 14,000 square feet of indoor space and 10,000 square feet of outdoor space. There are three different levels — Upper, Lower, and Forebay — that can collectively hold approximately 450 guests for private events. Regardless of the level of an event being held, all events include the Forebay and the other levels cannot be rented out separately on the same night to ensure maximum privacy.
Because of its convenient location and abundance of onsite serviced, PowerHouse is a perfect wedding venue option. With PowerHouse logistics being streamlined through Outdoor Events, this venue can offer event project management and day-of coordination, site preparation, rental equipment, marketing materials, entertainment, catering, security, sanitation, vendor management, and more!
Elle Allen, an event planner with Outdoor Events recently assisted a bride with her wedding at the PowerHouse. She shared that “We provided a tent on the lawn with our round bar as well as tables, linens and chairs. It was a beautiful setup! We even customized the napkins, cups and koozies for the reception. The bride and groom were so pleased!”
Provided by PowerHouse is a list of recommended vendors for your one-of-a kind event. This includes photography by Fallen Photography, flowers from B. Anderson Floral Designs, planning by Katherine Annelle Events, makeup by Lauryl Estelle, cake by Sweet as Cakes, charcuterie boards from Let’s Graze and Wine, live art by Kate Scrivner Art, bridal gowns by Winnie Couture, and groom’s attire from Men’s Wearhouse. If you would like to know more about the venue, tours of the PowerHouse are available upon request and are flexible to accommodate most schedules. SVM