Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 6

117 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 ALBEMARLE , NORTH CAROL INA over 10 years of brewmaster experience having worked for micro-breweries in the Asheville region. “The City did a great job of working with us and finding us a building that fit our need perfectly,” says Baker. “We’re excited about this opportunity as we grow along with downtown Albemarle making it a destination to come and enjoy in the months and years to come.” As the Director of the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation and the Main Street Program co-ordinator, Joy Almond is passionate about the potential of her city. She reports, “The completion of this and other residential projects will play a major role in the shaping of our downtown, creating a need for products and services after 5 pm. Another soon-to-open niche business that I’m personally excited about is the Tomahawk Throwing Range and Blade Shop. The business owner, Garrett Starnes, came to my office several months ago with his business concept, and has been a pleasure to work with. The influx of students has created the need for new restaurants, entertainment, retail business and housing in the downtown. Of note, the iconic Albemarle Hotel is undergoing a complete interior remodel that will maintain the historic structure and provide 29 new apartments and retail. The old Lowder Hardware building is also in the midst of a remodel and addition that will bring another 29 apartments to the core. Originally a hardware store built in 1902, the building was converted into restaurant space in the early 2000s and transitioned as different eateries and bars throughout the past 20 years. And Uwharrie Brewing Company of Downtown Albemarle just completed a deal with the City of Albemarle to take over a former fire station in the heart of downtown and turn it into a micro- brewery, the first in the City. The first beer will be called Firehouse Red Ale to pay homage to the historic building and the firefighters who called it a second home. Owner Colton Baker has The historic Albemarle Hotel renovation will be completed in early 2022 with 29 luxury apartments in the heart of downtown