Pendleton Oil Mill Revitalization Under Way

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The historic, but decaying, Pendleton Oil Mill site took a big step toward cleanup and redevelopment today, and the site could be ready for the next stage within three months.

The mill was opened as a cotton gin in the late 1860s but the Sitton and later converted into a cottonseed oil mill around 1900. In 1934 A.J. Sitton produced flour, feed, and cornmeal. After World War II, the oil mill was refitted to manufacture fertilizer and erosion control products. Sitton continued to run the mill until it shut down in the 1980s.

Testing on the site was completed last year and Camden Management Partners, Inc., is now cleaning up the rubble on the property, which has been a mess and and eye sore on the edge of Pendleton for the past few years. 

The next stage will include the planning process to determine what development is best for the property, according to Camden Management President John Gumpert. 

Gumpert expects that after cleanup is complete, the decisions on the next steps for the property should be in place within 18 months.  

“I am very pleased that we have finally cleared all of the hurdles and reached a satisfactory and cost effective resolution to this problem,” said Pendleton Mayor Frank Crenshaw. “This is a huge win for our town and it's citizens. Many thanks to our legal advisors, Camden Property Management, Town staff and Town Council who all stayed the course to help make this a reality.”

“I think this is one of those things we’ve all been anxious to see happen,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “It’s a great day for Pendleton and we can’t wait to see what that valuable piece of property will become. 

Camden Management also expects to begin work on the Pendleton Cheney Mill Development in the next few days. See story from Observer archive.

“These developments right on the border of downtown will eventually create walking communities near downtown,” said Gumpert. “These will support the great work Pendleton has already done investing in their restaurants and shops downtown.” 

“I love to go into these kinds of blighted areas and rebuild them for communities,” said Gumpert.