Barker Mill, built in 1873, is a five-story brick structure known for its distinctive mansard roof—an uncommon feature among mills in Maine. It stands out for its high level of decorative detailing, setting it apart from other industrial buildings of its era. As the first major mill on the Auburn side of the Androscoggin River, it played a key role in the area’s industrial development.

The mill's creation was driven by the Little Androscoggin Water Power Company, established in 1870 to harness the water power of the nearby Little Androscoggin River. To achieve this, the company acquired significant land along the river and constructed a dam in 1872 just upstream from the future mill site. The mill itself was designed by Maine-born architect Charles F. Douglas and named after the company’s directing agent, C. I. Barker. For many years, it produced shirting, sheeting, and other woven textiles. In 1979, the building was repurposed as an affordable retirement community, preserving its historic character while serving a new purpose.