809 COURT STREET
Our home at 809 Court Street is Store House #3 of the of the former Globe Woolen Mills complex, a place deeply rooted in Utica’s industrial history. Built in 1872–73 and originally used for storage of raw wool, the building once served a thriving textile operation during a period when mills, factories, and skilled trades helped shape the city.
Its heavy timber construction, broad open floors, and enduring industrial character still reflect that history. Over time, the building continued to be a place for makers and creative businesses, including Tiger Lily Quilt Company.
Today, 4 Elements Studio carries that spirit forward in a new form. Where materials were once stored and moved through an active mill complex, the building is now filled with artists, students, exhibitions, classes, and community gatherings. Its story has shifted from industry to creativity, but making has remained at the heart of the space.
We are proud to be stewards of this historic building and to continue its long tradition of work, craft, and creativity as we shape its next chapter.
Our home at 809 Court Street is Store House #3 of the of the former Globe Woolen Mills complex, a place deeply rooted in Utica’s industrial history. Built in 1872–73 and originally used for storage of raw wool, the building once served a thriving textile operation during a period when mills, factories, and skilled trades helped shape the city.
Its heavy timber construction, broad open floors, and enduring industrial character still reflect that history. Over time, the building continued to be a place for makers and creative businesses, including Tiger Lily Quilt Company.
Today, 4 Elements Studio carries that spirit forward in a new form. Where materials were once stored and moved through an active mill complex, the building is now filled with artists, students, exhibitions, classes, and community gatherings. Its story has shifted from industry to creativity, but making has remained at the heart of the space.
We are proud to be stewards of this historic building and to continue its long tradition of work, craft, and creativity as we shape its next chapter.
- Born from a fire. In September 1871 a fire leveled the Globe mill. The company rebuilt right away, bigger, in red-brick Italianate style designed by architect Azel J. Lathrop. Our building dates from that rebuild.
- A major employer. The mills made fine woolen and worsted cloth, including broadcloth. By 1892 they employed about 1,100 people. At its 1918 peak, Utica's textile industry employed nearly 22,000 workers.
- Second and third lives. After the mill era ended in the mid-1900s, the buildings became college classrooms for Utica College, then offices.
- Officially historic. The Globe Woolen Company Mills were added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 5, 2016. The listing includes 809 Court Street.
- A Permanent Home for 4 Elements. We bought 809 Court Street in the summer of 2024. The ribbon cutting was September 6, 2024, concurrent with an inaugural exhibition by Jason Paradis, Utica Sky (Globe Mill), about the history of the building.
- The neighborhood today. The main mill is now the Lofts at Globe Mill apartments, in the Brewery District, and we sit next to Hirt Park.
- The one catch. Our upper floors are reached by stairs. Adding a lift so everyone can reach every floor is a top goal.
