Reimagineering.
“The revitalization and historic nature of the place is pretty impressive.” – External Influencer
From restoring old mill buildings to creating new streetscapes, reinvention is the word when it comes to reimagining a better future for our community. Examples abound in every city and town, from the revitalized Mill District in Hickory to the reinvented Conover Station facility in downtown Conover.
Several major projects are currently in the works to create appealing spaces for enhanced walkability and connectivity. Here are a few examples:
Hickory’s City Walk
The City Walk, which is being developed along Main Avenue from Lenoir-Rhyne University through Downtown Hickory to 9th Street NW, will continue the growth of company headquarters and professional jobs in the city’s central business district.Businesses have already invested over $30 million in new entertainment, headquarters, and retail shops, along Main Avenue between Lenoir-Rhyne University and Downtown Hickory. By building a City Walk that will allow employees to easily connect to the university, shops, services, and their offices, as well as being a great place for all residents to enjoy, the City feels it can continue to attract company headquarters, as well as service and professional jobs, to the central business district to create a place where working adults want to work, live, and play.
Hickory’s Riverwalk
The Riverwalk, which is being developed from Geitner Park along the Catawba River, will spur new retail jobs and residential growth. Many of the communities with which Hickory competes for jobs and people have found ways to make their water a competitive asset. Hickory has access to a wonderful lake and river, but the community has not yet used the lake for economic development. By building a Riverwalk from the planned overhaul of Geitner Park, which will be privately developed by the Robert Lackey family, the City will create a unique destination in the region. This will provide public access to the lake and an attractive area for shopping, entertainment, walking, recreation, and residential development.
Hickory’s Streetscapes & Gateways
The Streetscapes and Gatewaysprojects are designed to improve the City’s major roads and gateways, which are the main entrances to the City.The major roadways throughout the city are where many businesses want to locate. Some local businesses have already invested millions of dollars in their facilities (such as Mike Johnson Toyota, Nissan of Hickory, Holiday Inn Select, Lowes Foods, Walmart Neighborhood Market, 29 North Apartments, and Lowes Home Improvement in Viewmont), and others will make investments and add jobs as the City improves its major roadways. The roadways and gateways will also enhance the “curb appeal” of the City. Improvements will benefit all travelers, encourage private investment, and show prospective business and residents that Hickory is vibrant and well maintained.
Conover’s Downtown Streetscape Project
In the spring of 2017, the City of Conover started work on a new downtown revitalization project to provide aesthetic, pedestrian and traffic benefits and facilitate economic development in the area. The project started on 1st Avenue S at an area known as “5 Points” and continued through downtown to Conover School. Work included sidewalk repair and the installation of landscaped curb extensions and center landscaped medians, where new trees and shrubs have been planted. New work in the sidewalk areas included additional brick pavers, benches, planters and a new freestanding clock. The goal of the project was to provide a more pedestrian-friendly environment downtown and improve streetscape aesthetics.
Newton’s Downtown Streetscape Project
Newton’s Streetscape Project is intended to begin the revitalization process not just for Downtown Newton, but for the entire community. By focusing on the heart of the city, people in Newton and in the surrounding areas will begin to take notice, visit, shop, dine, and take a renewed pride in the community.
Sidewalk widening and open space improvements, accompanied by wayfinding signs, improvements to the corridors approaching Downtown Newton, and increased marketing, will bring new businesses and restaurants to the Courthouse Square to take advantage of opportunities for outdoor dining and improved community image. Improvements to the Courthouse Square include widened sidewalks, bike lanes, two rows of parking and two moving lanes; improved open spaces including a redesigned and expanded Yount Park; and the addition of an outdoor stage on the west side of the Courthouse Square to allow for outdoor concerts and other events. Work on the streetscape begins in the spring of 2018.
Hickory’s Mill District
Two former textile factories have been transformed into multi-use retail spaces by local investors. Located just off downtown Hickory and next to Lenoir-Rhyne University, the area has come to be known as the Mill District. Hollar Mill is home to Highland Avenue Restaurant and American Honor Ale House and Brewery, several retail establishments, and a community space that hosts a live music series as well as community and private events. Moretz Mill, which is anchored by Boca Restaurant and Vitality Day Spa, also features several retail establishments and a similar community space available for community and private events.
Conover’s Conover Station
Conover Station is an active downtown redevelopment project located in the heart of Conover. A reimagined manufacturing plant, the site currently houses NC Works, Conover Library, and a Community Room. Adjacent to Conover City Park, the development has expanded to house the Manufacturing Solutions Center and other businesses.
Since its inception, Conover Station has received resounding community support. Conover Station has become a prominent, newsworthy project that provides a sound example of successful community-based redevelopment. Through the Conover Station site, the City of Conover is stimulating economic growth and encouraging sustainable downtown redevelopment.
