All tagged downtown revitalization
If you’ve spent some time living in Kinston at any point during the past century, you probably know of Edwards Funeral Home. According to Jim Eason, who became part-owner of the business in 1986 before spending 30 years at the helm, it's the oldest funeral home in town, and it's been sitting on the same stretch of North Queen Street as long as he has known it existed. And to celebrate its 100th anniversary, current owner Justin Smith is wrapping up major renovations.
Did you know there are particular buildings downtown that remain empty year after year? Why is this? Pride of Kinston and its economic vitality committee have identified that issue as a primary concern and project. The first phase of this project is to address lower South Queen Street between Lincoln and King Streets because it is a key gateway into our downtown that has been an especially depressed and ignored area for years apparently and it needs some love, particularly since we have invested $2.5MM in redesigning and improving Queen Street.
Did you know that two adjoining burned out buildings on Gordon St were recently purchased by a California developer who converted them into four nice market-rate apartments, all of which leased immediately? People from out of town are buying our properties, sometimes two at a time. They feel our vibe and sense of community. They like where we are going. They have been paying attention to what we are doing and want to be a part of it. Downtown Kinston is setting an example of progressive recovery from severe decline and many people are paying attention to it.
Did you know the Pride of Kinston downtown revitalization organization has been around since the 1980’s? We belong to the North Carolina Main Street Association which has 88 participating communities. We all belong to the National Main Street organization called Main Street America that was formed in the mid-1980’s to reverse the decline of historic commercial districts across the U.S. by applying a tested methodology associated with design, organization, promotion, and economic development, for which our core working committees are named. Prestigiously speaking, Kinston was one the very first communities selected by the national organization to participate in this nation-wide endeavor. This means that Kinston has been in the process of revitalizing its downtown for 35 years.
Did you know the condition and vibrancy of a downtown (or neighborhood) is a barometer of community health and attitude?
Today we launch a series of shorties entitled Did You Know? focusing on the revitalization of downtown Kinston, NC and the work that Pride of Kinston undertakes to make our downtown and community better. We hope you enjoy them.
