Rivermill in Columbus under new ownership

For the third time since 2006, the RiverMill Event Centre in Columbus has a new owner, but there are no plans for changes at the venue for weddings, military formals and other community events.

 The Hospital Authority of Columbus recently purchased the 60,000-square-foot indoor space that’s occupied by Jamie Keating Culinary, the managing company for the RiverMill Event Centre.

Keating was unavailable for comment Wednesday but said in a statement that the center is committed to offering a superior level of quality and service.

 “My original business plan was and still is based on personal attention,” he said. “From the food to the event and even the dishwashing, I oversee every detail. Creativity is what we strive for, but only if it’s sensible.”

 Built in 1912 and located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, the historic renovated cotton mill was opened by Keating in 2006 when the building was owned by Brent Buck. The building, which also has three outdoor venue areas, was later sold in 2014 to Buddy Nelms and Michael McMillan.

 The center is part of buildings that made up the Bibb Mill. Known as “The Bibb,” the mill dates back to 1899. During its heyday in the 1940s, the textile mill had about 3,000 workers. The Bibb Company filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors in March 1998.

 Keating was leasing space for Gourmet Events after the mill was purchased by Buck Investment Company. Fire swept through the Bibb Mill in 2008 and damaged part of the event center facility. RiverMill found a need in serving the area when it comes to weddings, anniversaries, military formals and company parties.

 “And we plan to provide our highest level of service and dedication to the community for many years to come,” said Keating, who has been featured on the Food Network and in culinary publications.

 As a thank you to the community, the center is offering 50 percent off on new venue rentals for January and February. For more information on the RiverMill, call 706-327-9300 or go online to rivermilleventcentre.com.

This story was originally published September 9, 2015 at 9:36 PM with the headline "Rivermill in Columbus under new ownership."