Ask Dr. Downtown

Dear: Dr. Downtown:

Q: Who maintains the six planters in the 100 block of East Main Street in downtown?

A: Local downtown business owners adopt the planters and maintain them each season. They are recognized by a sign in the planter they are maintaining. Currently the one in front of the Main Street Market Place Building is available to adopt . The others are currently being maintained by Rising Sun Pottery; Edward Jones/Buddy Collins; North State Books; Hi-Lites and Creative Travel.

Do you have a question about downtown Lincolnton for Dr. Downtown? Ask your question and Dr. Downtown will respond.

Downtown Rental Rate Survey

The City of Lincolnton’s Business & Community Development Department is conducting a rental rate survey of downtown properties. The office conducts the survey every two years to determine trends in rental rates, occupancy and investment in downtown Lincolnton. Rental rates, occupancy and investment are key indicators of a downtown’s vitality.

The survey permits the department to provide the most accurate information to potential tenants as well as property owners and developers on rental rate averages and trends. The individual information is kept strictly confidential and only aggregate data is released. Property owners and tenants will be receiving the survey in the next few weeks. Please take a few moments to provide the requested information and help us to continue to ‘Build a Better Lincolnton One Block at Time’

Hometown Advantage

The Hometown Advantage reports on efforts across the country to stop chain store proliferation and support locally owned, independent retail businesses. On the website you can also learn about land use policies and other tools that can protect the character and vitality of hometowns. Find out how other communities are bucking the "big box" retail trend and encouraging small-scale, homegrown businesses - and why this approach is proving far more beneficial to the local economy. Plus, news on e-commerce, independent business alliances, development subsidies, franchisee legislation, and all the latest resources. Take some time to checkout the web site
http://newrules.org/retail/

Parking Fines to Increase July 1, 2008

In an effort to promote a “customer first” way of thinking the City of Lincolnton recently increased the fine it charges for violating the two-hour limit from $5.00 to $20.00. The desired result of the increase is to keep the most desireable on street parking spaces available for downtown customers and encourage long term parkers and downtown employees to use the public off street lots or private parking areas provided by their employers.

Officer Whitesides will continue to enforce the two-hour parking limit downtown. If you have questions about where to park or regarding the new fines contact Officer Whitesides or the City of Lincolnton Police Department. 704-736-8900.

There's Opportunity Here!

Lincolnton has a very high occupancy rate downtown but there are a few choice properties available to rent or purchase. Checkout our new link under Useful Links to see the properties that are available in Historic Downtown Lincolnton. For more information or to add a property to the list contact us at 704-736-8915

Grant Received to Complete Plans for Rehabilitation of former City Recreation Center

The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton and The City of Lincolnton, recently received a grant in the amount of $25,000 from the North Carolina Rural Center Building Reuse and Restoration Grant Program. The grant monies will be used to develop architectural and engineering drawings and a national register nomination for the building DDA owns on 119 East Pine Street.

Many people in Lincolnton have fond memories of the building. It was once a school as well as the city recreation center. The City of Lincolnton, Lincoln County and the Lincoln County School System were the former owners of the property and donated the property to the DDA to be the catalyst for its redevelopment. It is anticipated that the architectural and engineering analysis and National Register nomination will be completed within six months and the rehabilitation of the building within 24 months.

Gray Stout of Stout Studio Architecture has been hired to complete the plans. "Gray has won a number of awards for rehab projects that he's been involved in," said Brad Guth, Business and Community Development Director. "His knowledge and experience with old buildings will be valuable to the project."

DDA has the building listed for sale for $60,000. The grant will reduce the cost of the rehabilitation project for the purchaser/developer. In addition to the $35,000 towards the plans the building is eligible for over $10,000 in local grant programs.

"Receiving this grant is a great next step for our continued efforts to rehabilitate the building," said Brad Whitley, Economic Restoring Work Group Chairman for the Downtown Development Association. "With the plans paid for and more grants available for the construction work a buyer will be getting a very good deal."

Once a buyer is found DDA will enter into a rehabilitation agreement with the buyer to ensure that this historic building is rehabilitated to original conditions in an appropriate and timely manner.

The entire restoration project is estimated at $360,000. The actual building rehabilitation costs will be the responsibility of the private developer secured to redevelop the property.
If you are interested in purchasing the property or have pictures or stories about time spent in the building, please contact The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton at 704-736-8915.

Independents Days

The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton (DDA) has declared July 1st-14th as Independents Days. DDA is partnering with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) for this celebration and is part of a growing national movement of communities rallying to support their independent businesses, take control of their local economies, and reverse the trend of chains and big boxes displacing locally owned businesses.

“It’s a time to reflect on the importance of economic democracy and community self-determination by celebrating Lincolnton’s locally owned independent businesses and the stake each citizen has in shaping our town’s future,” stated Buddy Collins, DDA Board Chair.

The Downtown Development Association invites Lincolnton to help celebrate by joining in activities and in-store promotions. Lincolnton residents can participate in Independents Days activities such as the Shop Local Challenge and the Find Your Independents! scavenger hunt.

The Shop Local Challenge is completely voluntary. You make up your own rules. Keep track of your spending for two weeks during Independents Days to see how much goes toward supporting the local economy and your neighbors in Lincolnton. Report back to the Inside Wire on how you did. What products do you buy regularly that you couldn't find at a local retailer? Did you remember to shop the Farmers Market for food purchases? Let us know how you did.

Find Your Independents! is a scavenger hunt of sorts for your favorite products at locally owned independent businesses. Pick up a game card and locate the products or services on the card at a participating locally owned independent business and get the card endorsed. Find all the items by the end of Independents Days, complete the card, return it to be eligible for some great prizes.

DDA Kicks-Off New Online Newsletter

Welcome to the first installment of the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton's new online newsletter, The Inside Wire. The premise of this newsletter is unique - it will serve as a "merchant memo" of sorts for downtown businesses. While covering our downtown businesses' new developments, it will also feature stories/articles from downtown events, as well as upcoming happenings around Lincolnton.

July 4th Festivities

The City of Lincolnton is hosting their annual July 4th celebration with a parade and fireworks display. These festivities have been a part of Lincolnton since the early 1990's drawing more and more people each year. This year the city of Lincolnton is encouraging anyone to be a part of the festivities by entering a float or vehicle in the parade. Jeff Emory, City Manager, states," they don't have to be patriotic in nature, but a show of patriotism is encouraged to remember our men and women serving our country." There will be prizes awarded for Most Creative, Most Patriotic, Best Family, Best Vehicle and Best Overall. The parade takes place at 8 pm in downtown Lincolnton followed by a fireworks display and ceremony at Lincolnton High School Stadium.

New Faces in Downtown Development Office

There are three new faces among us at the Downtown Development Association Office. DDA has three interns assisting in the office this summer. The interns are Jamie Carpenter, Lauren Link and Tim Dowd. Jamie is a rising sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Asheville with an undeclared major. Lauren is a senior graduating in December from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Marketing. Tim is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Economics and Political Science. So, stop by and introduce yourself to our new interns this summer.

4th of July Downtown Business Window Decorating Contest

It's that time of year again for local business owners of downtown Lincolnton to show off their artistic skills in the 4th of July Downtown Window Decorating Contest. Decorate your storefront window with whatever you want as long as it pops with a patriotic theme. The storefront decoration contest will feature cash prizes of $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd, $50 for 3rd place and $25 for 4th place winners. Let's celebrate Independence Day by painting downtown Lincolnton Red, White and Blue!

Despite Record Breaking Heat Thousands Attended Hog Happenin'

Lincolnton, NC (June 10, 2008)-- This past weekend the streets of downtown Lincolnton came alive as the revving of motorcycles and the sweet aroma of smoked BBQ filled the air at the Toyota Tundra State Championship BBQ Cook-Off, Terrell Camping Center Bike Fest and the 8th Annual RE/MAX Crossroads Hog Happenin'. This year's Hog Happenin' was a huge success despite the record breaking heat, with approximately 8,000 people attending.

Attendees shopped at the various apparel and merchandise vendors set up along Main Street, participated in competitive food eating contests and enjoyed live music performed by local bands. Some lucky individuals even got to judge entries in the AnythingButt and Dessert Competitions held Friday night.

At the KCBS sanctioned BBQ cook-off event, 25 Professional Teams and 11 Tailgate Teams competed for the title of Grand Champion. The Cool Smoke team, led by Tuffy Stone, from Richmond, VA was named Professional Grand Champion of the event, taking home 1st place prizes in the Chicken, Pork, and Brisket categories, and 2nd place in the Pork Ribs category. This qualified the team for the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue event held in Lynchburg, TN and free entry to Hog Happenin' 2009. Local team, The Hog Winders, led by Ned Dellinger from Vale, NC, took home the Tailgate Grand Champion winning 1st place in Ribs and 2nd place in the Brisket categories.

During the event bikers had the opportunity to compete in bike games such as a keg race, slow race and a burn out competition. The Christian Motorcycle Association, Ambassadors for Christ #539, organized a bike show with prizes awarded in the following divisions: Sport Bikes, Antique, Radical, Custom, Dresser, Cruiser, Best Overall/People's Choice and Best Of Show. Approximately 150 motorcyclists took part in a poker run with four stops at local bars and grills.

On the Special Events stage, the competitive eating contest consisted of pizza, wings, pies, doughnuts and chocolate ice cream in honor of National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Event goers jammed out to The Thunder Brothers, Cattlertruck, Paris-Keeling, Chrome, and Madderdon't on the Budweiser Entertainment Stage, as well as ParisCountry on the American Roots Stage.

The City of Lincolnton, The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton, Christian Motorcycle Association and Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors organized the event.

Events Calendar

June 26, 2008

Griffin Nationwide Insurance Alive After 5--

Featuring "The Ocean Boulevard Band"
6:00pm-9:00pm
**Sponsored by Carolina Trust Bank

July 4,2008
July 4th Parade and Fireworks Display-- Downtown Lincolnton Followed by Fireworks at Lincolnton High School
8:00pm-10:00pm

July 31, 2008
Griffin Nationwide Insurance Alive After 5

Featuring "Too Much Sylvia"
6:00pm-9:00pm
**Sponsored by Peoples Bank

August 28,2008
Griffin Nationwide Insurance Alive After 5

Featuring "Coast to Coast"
6:00pm-9:00pm
**Sponsored by Bank of America

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September 25, 2008

Griffin Nationwide Insurance Alive After 5

Featuring "The Extraordinaires"

6:00pm-9:00pm

** Sponsored by Apple Realty and Tindall Professional Photography

8th Annual Lincolnton Hog Happenin' BBQ Cook-Off Announces Winners

Lincolnton, NC-- There was an all-out battle for the best in Chicken, Pork, Pork Ribs and Brisket in Lincolnton, NC Friday June 6 and Saturday June 7, as 25 professional teams and 11 tailgate teams competed for bragging rights and a chance to qualify for the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue, in the Toyota Tundra State Championship BBQ Cook-Off at the 8^th Annual RE/MAX Crossroads Hog Happenin'. The Hog Happenin' is a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event.

The Professional Grand Champion award for the team scoring the highest in all four meat categories went to the Cool Smoke team, led by Tuffy Stone, from Richmond, VA. Coming in as Professional Reserve Grand Champion was the B.S. Pitmeisters from Boiling Springs, SC. The Tailgate Grand Champion was Hog Winders from Vale, NC and the Tailgate Reserve Grand Champion was Butts N Gutts from Mooresville, NC. Prizes included prize money and a plaque.

The top scoring professional teams in each category were: Chicken-- Cool Smoke (Richmond, VA); Pork Ribs-- Big E BBQ (Kings Mountain, NC); Pork-- Cool Smoke (Richmond, VA); and Brisket-- Cool Smoke (Richmond, VA). The top scoring tailgate teams in each category were: Chicken-- All American Barbecue (Stanley, NC); Pork Ribs--Hog Winders (Vale, NC); Pork--Butts N Gutts (Mooresville, NC) and Brisket--Carolina Boys BBQ (Cherryville, NC). Honors were also given to the top five professional competing teams, top two tailgate competing teams in each category as well as the AnythingButt and Dessert categories.

The 2008 Hog Happenin' BBQ Cook-Off Winners:

Professional Grand Champion: Cool Smoke (Richmond, VA)

Professional Reserve Grand Champion: B.S. Pitmeisters (Boiling Springs, SC)

Tailgate Grand Champion: Hog Winders (Vale, NC)

Tailgate Reserve Grand Champion: Butts N Gutts (Mooresville, NC)

Professional Chicken

1^st Place--Cool Smoke (Richmond, VA)

2^nd Place--Chef Herb Productions/Mac's (Fort Mill, SC)

3^rd Place--B.S Pitmeisters (Boiling Springs, SC)

4^th Place--B4 BBQ (Tryon, NC)

5^th Place--Big Mo & The AHO BBQ'n Outlaws (Blowing Rock, NC)

Professional Pork Ribs

1^st Place--Big E BBQ (Kings Mountain, NC)

2^nd Place--Cool Smoke (Richmond, VA)

3^rd Place--Good Ole boys Country BBQ (Lincolnton, NC)

4^th Place--Rubba Butta Que (Granite Falls, NC)

5^th Place--Smoke This (Hickory, NC)

Professional Pork

1^st Place--Cool Smoke (Richmond, VA)

2^nd Place--B.S. Pitmeisters (Boiling Springs, SC)

3^rd Place--Bubba & Son (Shelby, NC)

4^th Place--ME BBQ (Grover, NC)

5^th Place--Old School BBQ (Hickory, NC)

Professional Brisket

1^st Place--Cool Smoke (Richmond, VA)

2^nd Place--Tarheel Smokers (Hertford, NC)

3^rd Place--B.S. Pitmeisters (Boiling Springs, SC)

4^th Place--Bubba & Son (Shelby, NC)

5^th Place--Catchafire for Q (Fort Mill, SC)

Tailgate Chicken

1^st Place--All American Barbecue (Stanley, NC)

2^nd Place--Butt Bustin' Rib Breaker (Connellys Springs, NC)

Tailgate Pork Ribs

1^st Place--Hog Winders (Vale, NC)

2^nd Place--Butts N Gutts (Mooresville, NC)

Tailgate Pork

1^st Place--Butts N Gutts (Mooresville, NC)

2^nd Place--All American Barbecue (Stanley, NC)

Tailgate Brisket

1^st Place--Carolina Boys BBQ (Cherryville, NC)

2^nd Place--Hog Winders (Vale, NC)

AnythingButt

1^st Place--M.R. Biggins BBQ (Monroe, NC)

Dessert

1^st Place--Bubba's Backyard BBQ (Alexis, NC)