Business Black Box

Homeowners have already been hard at
work in the North Main area, uncovering
the beauty of its historic homes through
painstaking restorations.
It’s hard to find a block that doesn’t show signs of a major renovation
project. Meanwhile, the nearby thoroughfare of Stone Avenue
hasn’t seen as much activity. But in as little as a year, Stone Avenue
is expected to change from being simply a downtown gateway to
having its own distinct character and community for the residents
of North Main.
According to the Stone Avenue Master Plan, 73,454 people live
within three miles of the intersection of North Main and Stone
Avenue. Yet, more than five acres of prime land at this corner sits
barely used. Many things have come and gone: a grocery store, a gas
station, residential homes and an auto service shop, to name a few.
But now it’s mostly just a few patches of concrete and a billboard.
That could change in 2014.
The Charleston-based The Beach Company is in the process
of buying the land and constructing a mixed-use development
complete with residential and retail. Dan Doyle, Vice President of
The Beach Company, says they’ve met with nearby residents and
will continue to gather their opinions throughout the process.
“We received great feedback and were very encouraged about
their support and excitement for seeing that site develop,” says
Doyle, who hopes to present plans to the planning commission this
fall. “I do believe it will be something that hopefully when we’re
done, everyone can look back and be proud of.”
A second mixed-use development is in the works for the corner
of Stone Avenue and Rowley. Plans include 1,600 square feet of
retail space on the ground level and 51 apartments above with a
rooftop deck, bike parking and a fire pit in the back. At Vannoy
and Stone Avenue, a new neighborhood restaurant called Universal
Joint is moving in. City officials say some landscaping, streetscape
and sewer improvements are also likely.