“The revitalization and historic nature of the place is pretty impressive.” – External Influencer
From restoring former textile mills 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 University 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 follows along Main Avenue from Lenoir-Rhyne University through downtown Hickory to 11th Street NW and up to Old Lenoir Road (future Old Lenoir Walk), continues 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. One North Center, a $19 million mixed-use development along the City Walk path, has expanded downtown living opportunities. The City Walk is an integral piece of the much larger Hickory Trail system that connects destinations and amenities throughout the city, and is a catalyst for economic development and growth.
Hickory’s Riverwalk
The Riverwalk, which stretches from Geitner Park along the Catawba River, spurs new retail jobs and residential growth. By building the Riverwalk, the City has created a unique destination in the region and an attractive area for shopping, entertainment, walking, recreation, and residential development. The Riverwalk also provides public access to Lake Hickory with an iconic bridge over the water designed by renowned architect Miguel Rosales and a combination of waterfront and elevated, wooded trails.
OLLE Art Walk
This multiuse trail will include make streetscape improvements along Old Lenoir Road and will be known as the OLLE Art Walk (formerly Old Lenoir Walk). OLLE Art Walk is a planned multiuse path that will connect multiple sections of the Hickory Trail network that is being developed by the City of Hickory under the Crafting Hickory initiative and $40 million bond referendum passed by Hickory voters. The OLLE Art Walk will create a connection between City Walk, Aviation Walk, and Riverwalk.
Aviation Walk
The Aviation Walk multiuse pathway will include a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 321 and an approximately 1.7-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that will travel by L.P. Frans Stadium, home of the Hickory Crawdads baseball team, and up to the Hickory Regional Airport.
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. Businesses often want to be located along major thoroughfares. While some local companies 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 Lowe’s Home Improvement in Viewmont), others will continue to make investments and add jobs as the City improves its major transportation corridors. Streetscapes and gateways enhance the “curb appeal” of the City. The first of two planned gateways has been completed and now greets drivers as they enter Hickory on Highway 70 from 321. This and future improvements will benefit all travelers, encourage private investment, and show prospective businesses and residents that Hickory is vibrant, welcoming, and well maintained.
Hickory’s University 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 University Mill District. Hollar Mill is home to Highland Avenue Restaurant and Blowing Rock Draft House and Brewery, several retail establishments, and an event space that hosts a live music series as well as community and private events. Moretz Mills, which is anchored by Boca Restaurant and Vitality Medical Spa, also features several retail establishments, a large fitness center, and a similar community event venue.
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 signaled 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 have begun 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, are bringing 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.
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 I and II 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.
