Southern Indiana Business Report
SHOALS – The Shoals Town Council approved a 10-year tax abatement to the owners of a historic mill located along the White River Monday night.
Martin County residents Chad and Audrey Gibson are owners of the Star Mill Gathering Place, a historic structure built in 1858 that has been partially restored.
The abatement covers the property’s next phase of development. The proposed project involves the stabilization, restoration and adaptive reuse of the existing structure while maintaining its historic integrity. Planned improvements will include:
- Installation of ADA compliant entrances, exits and restrooms to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
- Construction of a commercial grade kitchen to support public and private events, community gatherings and local tourism.
- Addition of secondary ingress and egress to the second floor to meet current Indiana Building Code and life-safety standards.
- Preservation and repair of the original brick masonry and timber framework to ensure long-term structural stability.
Upon completion, the Star Mill will serve as a multi-purpose community gathering venue that supports local entrepreneurship, cultural programming and heritage tourism. The Gibsons envision development of a mercantile space featuring locally made goods, drinks and small bites, offering visitors a place to gather, shop and enjoy the scenic views and natural sounds of the White River while experiencing the Mill.
“Chad and I are incredibly grateful to the Shoals Town Council for their confidence and support in moving forward with this opportunity. The approval of the tax abatement is not only an investment in the Star Mill Gathering Place, but in the broader growth and strengthening of the Shoals Historic River District and our local business community,” said Audrey Gibson. “Support like this helps small businesses take thoughtful steps forward while honoring the character and history that make Shoals special.
“We truly believe Shoals is in the midst of a quiet but meaningful renaissance. It’s a small river town with deep roots, hardworking people who call it home, and a welcoming spirit for visitors who come to experience its history, natural beauty, and sense of community. We are honored to play a small role in that story and are excited about what lies ahead for Shoals as a whole.”
The Gibsons are developing the property in phases. In 2025, they added two campsites with full electric, water, and sewer hookups. Canoe and kayak rentals were also added with multiple launch and pick-up locations along the East Fork of the White River.