The Mill That Never Closed

*Chris Moore bought the former Fox River paper mill in Vicksburg* in 2018 with a plan to turn it into a mixed-use destination. Eight years later, the 416,000-square-foot building is still empty. The project is not stalled, according to Moore's team. It is simply complicated.

"Chris has always described this as sustainable philanthropy. He calls them 200-year projects."

That quote comes from Steve Sielatycki, vice president for The Mill Group, Moore's parent company for his Vicksburg ventures. Sielatycki told MLive that Moore has poured $53 million of his own money into Vicksburg over the past eight years. The total estimated cost of the mill redevelopment has risen to about $120 million, which Moore is self-funding.

What the Money Bought

Moore, 61, is a Vicksburg native who built his fortune in the healthcare technology industry. He founded Concord Technologies in 1996 and stepped down as CEO last year while remaining board chair. He currently lives in Nevada and has no spouse or children.

According to Sielatycki, the $53 million investment covers several major efforts:

  • Mill remediation: Environmental cleanup, roof replacement, window repair, and brickwork restoration were completed last October. An announcement on the next development phase is expected within months.
  • Downtown properties: Moore purchased nine commercial buildings in downtown Vicksburg. Four are occupied, including Mackenzie's Bakery, the Vicksburg Hardware Store, the Prairie Ronde Artist Gallery, and the Vicksburg Community Center.
  • Residential purchases: Moore bought 35 homes near the mill, most of which are rented out.
  • Local business retention: When the owner of Mackenzie's Bakery retired, Moore bought the business with the agreement to relocate it to a historic building he restored. When the hardware store owner planned to close, Moore purchased the building and allowed the owner to lease the space at reduced rent.

The Mill Group now has 27 people on its payroll.

The Vision Changes

The original plan announced in 2018 included residential apartments. Those are no longer part of the proposal, Sielatycki said. The current vision includes a brewery, a boutique hotel, retail spaces, event venues, and a museum housing Moore's collection of bar and brewery memorabilia.

The long-term goal is a concert space that can accommodate thousands, along with smaller venues for weddings and conferences.

"We've tried to estimate timelines on this and have sort of given up trying to do that. It's a really complicated project, the mill specifically."

Sielatycki attributed the delays to more extensive remediation than expected and disruptions from the COVID pandemic.

Family Roots Run Deep

Moore's connection to Vicksburg stretches back generations. His ancestors settled in the village in the 19th century. Multiple family members worked at the Lee Paper Co., which opened in 1905 and served as Vicksburg's largest employer and taxpayer for decades.

  • Moore's grandfather, Gordon Moore, started as a janitor and worked his way up to mill engineer.
  • Moore's father, Tim Moore, was a purchasing manager.
  • Moore worked at the factory during summers as a young man.
  • Moore graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1983.

Moore's interest in saving the mill was sparked by his late mother, Sue Moore, publisher of the South County News. She expressed dismay when the county considered demolishing the complex after it closed in 2001. Moore announced his plans to buy the property in 2014. The deal closed in 2018 after he negotiated a $30 million package of state and county tax credits.

What Comes Next

The Mill Group is currently seeking government approvals for the next stage of development. Sielatycki said a public announcement is likely within months.

Five downtown properties remain vacant or in need of restoration. Two need work: a storefront at 107 S. Main St. and a building at 110 W. Washington St. that was damaged in a fire. Three adjoining storefronts on South Main that once housed Hill's Pharmacy have been meticulously restored but remain empty. Sielatycki said those spaces will be "public facing" rather than converted into private offices.

The Mill Group lists four goals in its promotional materials: save historical buildings, make Vicksburg a historic village destination, operate great businesses in restored buildings, and support population density while protecting surrounding farmland.

For Moore, the project is personal. Sielatycki said Moore still considers Vicksburg his home.

"He's just so passionate about the community and is literally putting his money where his mouth is. This is a passion project for him, a calling to make an investment in the community."

Sources:

  • Julie Mack, "Project to revive Kalamazoo County paper mill remains a work in progress," MLive, June 29, 2026
  • IndexBox Inc., "Vicksburg Paper Mill Redevelopment Project Active with $53M Investment," June 29, 2026
  • Ben Jones, "6/29/26: For the people, by the people," NowKalamazoo, June 29, 2026