FARMINGTON—Scattered all along the Intermountain West, historical areas, artifacts, and even buildings can be found if you know where to find them. Great lengths have been taken to ensure the survival of each of these, utilizing historical landmark status, museums, and more. Now, Farmington City has just taken one huge step forward to preserving one such building.

Constructed in the 1850s by the nephews of Willard Richards, the Old Rock Mill was an early staple in Farmington. Taking more than a few years to complete, as the stone and timbers were hewn by hand, the Rock Mill was originally constructed, like many mills of the time, to grind and produce meal and flour. 

That wasn’t the only purpose the mill would serve, however. In 1906, the mill was converted into one of the first power stations in the area, using the water wheel to serve as a hydroelectric power station. This experiment, though ambitious in scope, was relatively short-lived, and the mill soon became storage, and an ice house, wherein people would store cut ice before the advent of practical refrigeration.

It wasn’t until 1960 that the mill was once again put on the map for the residents of Farmington as “The Heidelberg Restaurant.” The Heidelberg served, as one might expect, German cuisine in the pristine surroundings of the Farmington foothills, and the elegant surroundings of the Old Rock Mill itself.

Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, the Heidelberg closed down in 1989, and the mill and surrounding property fell into disrepair. It stayed that way, abandoned, and in shambles until it was privately purchased, and restored by Tom Owens, who has just sold the property to Farmington City. 

The idea behind the sale will be one of preservation. Owens has worked meticulously for years to maintain and restore the property, and now teams of professionals with Farmington City will be able to do the same for generations to come. The city reportedly plans to preserve the mill as it stands, without developing the grounds further.