AMHERST – The Mill District in North Amherst is currently undergoing one of it’s largest makeovers. However, with the construction of North Square, opening this summer with shops and restaurants, the general public needs stores and affordable housing options.

Cinda Jones, the ninth-generation Cowls Family landowner, came up with the concept with her brother Evan.

“Each generation of our family has transformed the land into what we thought was most beneficial to the community at the time,” said Jones.

The construction of two large buildings is currently being completed – with the first floor of each being used by the Cowls Family as rented commercial space. Above, there will be new, market rate apartments and a selection of affordable, income-based housing options. The affordable housing options include one, two and three bedroom living choices. All options will be pet-friendly.

Cinda and her brother Evan Jones closed the family lumber mill in 2011 to begin the Mill District project, which they aim to develop into an “eats, arts and entertainment destination.” The first part of the construction was to renovate the old barn into space for Atkins Farm in 2015. That was around the time Beacon Communities stepped in.

“Cinda hit the nail on the head by creating a destination in North Amherst,” said John Reardon, marketing vice president for Beacon Communities, who he states wants to help communities grow, making the two a great match.

The amenities the project is going to give Amherst was why Arthur Haskins, Beacon Communities Property Manager, knew North Square was a great investment. “Towns are always going up or going down, and Amherst is definitely on the way up,” he said.

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