Downtown Mount Airy was proud to host the Small-Scale Development & Historic Tax Credit Training on Wednesday, December 4th, bringing together economic development leaders, local developers, and preservation enthusiasts from across North Carolina. The event, led by the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center and Mount Airy Downtown, Inc., provided participants with invaluable insights into one of the most powerful tools for economic development — Historic Tax Credits. The day-long training, held at the iconic Historic Earle Theatre, offered attendees the chance to learn from industry experts and connect with like-minded professionals passionate about revitalizing historic spaces.
Walking Tour: A Journey Through Downtown Transformation
After a full day of training, attendees enjoyed a walking tour of Downtown Mount Airy that showcased firsthand the power of small-scale development and Historic Tax Credits in action. Here are the highlights from our tour:
Former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant – Once a bustling bottling facility, this site has been reborn as Carolla Drapery Shop on the first floor, with two high-end upper-story condominiums that include private parking and elevator access. It's a perfect example of how underutilized space can be reimagined into a blend of retail, commercial, and residential use.
Spencer’s Loft Condos – Attendees explored these modern, upscale loft-style residences that blend contemporary downtown living with a historic atmosphere.
Renfro Loft Condos – Another shining example of adaptive reuse, these condos offer stylish, urban living spaces in the heart of our historic downtown district.
Market Street Arts & Entertainment District – Our vibrant, family-friendly social district has become a cultural hub, home to live music, performances, and community events that attract locals and visitors alike.
Spencer’s Mill District – A centerpiece of Mount Airy's redevelopment initiatives, with key highlights including the future home of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio Balladeer Hotel and restaurant, set to open in 2026, and the much-anticipated Conference Center, also scheduled to open in 2026. These projects mark a bold step forward in Mount Airy's economic development efforts through the lens of historic preservation.
Former Bank of Mount Airy – Our final stop on the walking tour, this historic property is undergoing an incredible transformation. Plans are in place for a mixed-use development that will include retail and residential spaces, all on track for completion by December 2025.
A Bright Future for Downtown Redevelopment
The Small-Scale Development & Historic Tax Credit Training was more than a learning opportunity — it was a celebration of the transformative power of historic preservation and adaptive reuse. From revitalized living spaces to new commercial opportunities, Mount Airy's downtown continues to evolve into a vibrant district where people can live, work, and play.
Thank you again to all who participated, presented, and supported this important event. We look forward to seeing these lessons applied in communities across North Carolina as more developers, local officials, and property owners discover the potential hidden in their historic commercial districts.
Stay tuned for updates on future workshops, walking tours, and redevelopment success stories. Together, we’re building a brighter future, one historic property at a time.
Gratitude for Our Partners & Supporters
A successful event like this doesn’t happen without the support of key partners. We extend a heartfelt thank you to:
The Historic Earle Theatre for providing a historic and inspiring venue for our event.
Our Attendees for their energy, participation, and shared passion for economic development and historic preservation.
Our Presenters from the NC Main Street Center, NC State Historic Preservation Office, Maurer Architecture, LMY, Inc., and local developers who shared their expertise and demystified the redevelopment process.
Our Local Hosts who graciously opened their doors and shared their spaces during our end-of-day walking tour.
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