This is the tower of a former mill. A mill of some kind in this location was mentioned in records of the 11th century. The oldest physical evidence that there was a mill at this point date back to the 15th century. Originally, its purpose was grinding of various seeds etc., then it was used as a mill processing tanning agents for leather manufacturing, then it became an oilmill, and a plastermill. At some stage there probably was a nunnery on the premises. The last decades of the 19th century were probably the most prosperous times of the mill, the tower dates back to this time. The decline came after the second world war, in the late 60s the building were no longer used. Wayward youths roamed the premises and most of the windows were broken by them.

Since the 90s the town has been trying to find an investor who will care for the building (a mansion of historic interest is part of the property) and find a useful purpose. An investor company was prepared to buy the property, renovate and maintain it. They had a viable paln for the buildings – they wanted to turn it in a high-end brothel. The town and particularly the close neighbours were shocked and after protests the plan was abandoned. A real estate group then bid for the property, they had plan to turn it into apartments. The group went bankrupt.

At the moment another investor is said to be interested. The problem is that any owner has to comply with strict rules and regulations conforming with historic perservation. Nobody is holding their breath, I think.

After re-inventing itself so often (or being re-invented by others), a new effort is needed before the building will be finally condemned.

The Ragtag Daily Prompt: Re-invent