Downtown Rocky Mount buildings gaining more importance

Now it’s the time for downtown Rocky Mount to witness the commencement of a new era even though the brunt of the worsening economy thanks to worldwide downturn is resulting into nasty consequences. It has been learnt that two new businesses are cropping up in the area and this single feature has made the disconsolate market scenario have glee. What are these two businesses? Well, one of these two happens to be the signing of a lease between Leatherhead Rare Books and Collectables to open up in a renovated building at 118 N.W. Main St. It should be remembered that this building housed Main Street News and Brews Coffee Cafe previously.

The second jubilant news is regarding a hair stylist who is relocating her business into downtown space that was Gin Lily Hair Salon at 114 N.W. Main beforehand. Many people are not aware of the fact but it was the Weaver family that actually did shut down the doors to the News and Brews in November, just six months after opening. The building had been completely renovated into one that specializes in selling fresh-brewed gourmet coffees.

People have really been found happy over these developments and think that the betterment is not far away. One of them is Ian Kipp, downtown development manager for Rocky Mount, who is also hopeful of beer days. He said that these developments confirm how quickly these spaces were leased out that renovated buildings in downtown Rocky Mount appeal to business owners. Speaking on this he said, “It is heartening to see space lease up quickly”. “I would just say that this reinforces what we’ve been saying, which is that, ‘If you build it, they will come.’”

“I think that in any economy, there is value downtown. I think that’s basically what this is showing,” Kipp said.

On the other hand Sharon Dickens closed down her Simply Divine Hair Studio at 110 Tarboro Street and is on the verge of moving to the building at 114 Northwest Main St. where Gin Lily had been operating for 2 1/2 years.

All these indicate that the buildings of the region are alluring tenants and it is a good sign without doubt.