Two brothers, Nate and Chad Silvernail, recently completed an independent digital conservation project to preserve the Cottonwood Paper Mill in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Using drones and photogrammetry, they generated a highly detailed 3D model of the structure after learning of its potential demolition. Originally constructed between 1880 and 1883 from local granite, the mill served as the first large-scale paper production facility for the local newspaper called the Deseret News. Although a fire gutted the interior in 1893, the massive stone walls remained a landmark for over a century, transitioning from an industrial hub to a 1920s dance hall and eventually a seasonal haunted house before its condemnation in 2005.
This project highlights the growing importance of “guerilla” digital preservation in the earth sciences and archaeology. By creating a digital twin, the brothers have ensured that the mill’s architectural geometry survives even if the physical site is cleared. This application of photogrammetry allows researchers and the public to navigate a precise 1:1 scale replica of the granite stonework, capturing textures and structural nuances that traditional photography misses. As urban development threatens historic landmarks, these high-fidelity point clouds serve as a permanent record for future historians and architects, proving that consumer-grade drone technology can effectively supplement professional surveying efforts in protecting cultural heritage.
The “Old Mill” stands as a testament to Utah’s early industrial ambition and its resilient granite architecture. While the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, physical decay and safety concerns ultimately led to its current endangered status. By taking initiative without an official mandate, Nate and Chad have provided a roadmap for how hobbyists and professionals can use lidar and imaging tools to safeguard history. Their model offers an interactive look at a site that has been closed to the public for nearly two decades, bridging the gap between physical ruins and digital legacy.
Read More: https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/cottonwood-paper-mill-demolition-debate
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