The History of Historic Melrose Knitting Mill
We’re taking it back all the way to the 1900s to give you a little bit of history about our gorgeous historic building! While Melrose Knitting Mill is now used to host weddings and other events, back in the day it served a much different purpose…
Melrose Textile Mill
Our building began as Melrose Textile Mill, which manufactured underpants and bathing suits until it shuttered in 1930, just a year after the Black Tuesday stock market crash. The building sat vacant until 2009, save for occasional short-term rentals like a roofing company in the 1960s. Abdul Zalal began working at the company in 1969, and went on to purchase the mill just before 1980.
While Zalal left the property vacant for several years, he did install a new roof and board up the windows. Then, Melrose’s current operator and Umbria Hospitality Group Creative Director Samad Hachby approached him with a vision for creating a destination dining property on the ground floor. Moroccan restaurant Babylon was that first dining concept, which opened in 2009 and operated until the restaurant was reimagined as the Italian eatery it is today: Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar.
Melrose Knitting Mill
In 2014, Hachby renovated the third story of the building to accommodate the larger weddings, special events, and parties his restaurant was being sought after to host. Today, the historic Melrose Knitting Mill sits perched high atop 309 N. Dawson St., welcoming guests to a truly unique destination within the heart of Raleigh.
See Our Space
All that history makes Melrose a one-of-a-kind venue here in Downtown Raleigh. We pride ourselves on being a historic building with a lot of character that can be done up in myriad ways for what event you might be planning—whether a wedding, cocktail party, or any special gathering in between. Curious to see what our space looks like yourself? Book a tour of the property on our website, and we’ll be in touch to schedule a day and time.