Coast to Coast to Perform in Downtown Lincolnton

Downtown Lincolnton will be shagging to the sounds of Coast to Coast as the Griffin Insurance Agency/Nationwide Insurance Alive After Five concert series continues on Thursday, August 28, 2008.

Coast to Coast, a hometown favorite based out of Lincolnton, will be presented by Bank of America. The self-proclaimed "beach, boogie, and blues band" is sure to strike a note that resonates with everyone with a playlist that includes "Mustang Sally," "This Magic Moment," "Under the Boardwalk," and "I Want to Love You." For more information on Coast to Coast, check them out online at http://coasttocoastband.com/index.html or http://www.myspace.com/coasttocoastband.

Additionally, a drawing for two $50 Downtown Dollars gift certificates will be held during the concert. Entries must be submitted to participating downtown businesses by the day of the show, and those who enter must be present when their names are selected to claim their prizes.

Food and fun will abound with vendors, a NASCAR Nationwide Series show car, and plenty of music. Several downtown restaurants will be open for the show as well. Watch downtown Lincolnton come alive as concert-goers gather at East Main Street and Court Square for the free show, which starts at 6:00 p.m. Lawn chairs are encouraged, but no coolers will be allowed. For information regarding the event or to reserve handicap parking for the show, please call Lincolnton Business & Community Development at (704) 736-8915.

Lovable Lincolnton Featured Tar Heel Town in September Issue of Our State Magazine

When citizens of Lincolnton pick up their September issue of Our State Magazine they’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that Lincolnton is the featured Tar Heel Town. D.G. Martin penned the article that highlights the many uniques places downtown that give Lincolnton its classic character and makes Lincolnton such a great place to live, work and play.

Ask Dr. Downtown

Dear Dr Downtown:

Q: What incentives are available for building rehabilitation downtown?


A: There are five (5) different incentives available for rehabilitating buildings downtown three (3) City of Lincolnton Grant Programs that provide cash, a local bank loan pool that provides loans at ½% below the prime rate, and state and federal tax credits that are a dollar for dollar reduction in your income taxes up to 40% of the rehabilitation costs.

Incentive Grant for Storefront Rehabilitation:
Provides 50% of the total cost of approved projects up to $40 per linear foot of front façade. Side facades are eligible on corner buildings and buildings where the side façade is clearly visible from a public right-of-way

Architectural Services Grant:
Provides 50% of the design cost of up to $2,500

Substantial Building Rehab Grant Program:
Provides $10.00 per $100 (10%) of assessed value of the building as a matching grant. The required match is 50% of the improvements value of the property as determined by the tax assessor.

Low Interest Loan Pool:
An additional incentive is a loan pool from Lincolnton's banks. This program provides a 1/2% below prime rate loan for a 15 year term for the acquisition and rehabilitation of downtown buildings.

Tax Credits:
Federal & State Tax Credits are available for Rehabilitation for buildings in the Lincolnton Commercial Historic District. Rehabs could be eligible for a 20% federal tax credit and 20% state tax credit on the amount of the building rehabilitation.

More information is available at www.downtownlincolnton.org

Personal Artist Studio & Gallery Celebrates Grand Opening

Personal Artist Studio & Gallery, located at 105 East Main Street, in downtown Lincolnton, celebrated its Grand Opening on Tuesday, August 12, at 11:00 am. The event, sponsored by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, was attended by several Chamber Ambassadors, City officials, fellow downtown business owners, and patrons of the studio and gallery.

In her remarks to those gathered for the ribbon cutting, owner Laurie Bostian commented that though the studio has been open for a year, it took her a while to "define just what Personal Artist Studio & Gallery is all about."

While Bostian specializes in portraiture, she also offers classes, workshops, and art camps for those interested in expressing their own creativity. For those interested in browsing, the gallery features works from a diverse group of artists, including Bostian herself.

For more information about Personal Artist Studio & Gallery, visit www.personalartist.com, or call Bostian at (704) 773-3088.

DDA Premiers First Downtown Lincolnton Video Business Highlight

As you may have noticed by this blog, the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton is beginning to adopt a more modern approach to public communication. With the wealth of Web-based networking tools now available, DDA is taking advantage of these opportunities to reach new people; garner feedback from the public at large; maintain constant contact with those whose lives involve Downtown Lincolnton; and to showcase the people, places, and things that make us so proud of downtown.

If you look just to the right of this entry, you will see the first of many Video Business Highlights that we will use to spotlight the businesses and business owners who make Downtown Lincolnton unique. Each week, a new business will be featured in this spot - and all of our highlights will be accessible at http://www.youtube.com. We would like to thank Nick and Judy Komas of House of Trophies & Engraving and Classic Art & Framing for agreeing to be our "guinea pig" for this endeavor, and Stephen Starnes for loaning to us his hosting talents. Be sure and check back regularly - you never know who will be showcased next!

Ask Dr. Downtown

Dear Dr. Downtown:

Q: What efforts are being made to attract new businesses downtown?

A: There are four primary techniques the Downtown Development Association uses to market downtown to reach a target business and attract potential investors downtown: Publicity, Promotional Materials, Direct Mail and Personal Selling. Given its limited financial resources, DDA must create the greatest number of positive impressions for the least cost.

Using community volunteers, volunteer interns and city staff, DDA is currently conducting a market analysis--including a community survey--to determine the amount of space and types of uses downtown Lincolnton can realistically support. This information also helps the community identify, evaluate and prioritize new market opportunities.

An example of the information gleaned from this market analysis, is that the Lincolnton market area has a retail leakage (retail sales leaving) of over $29 million in restaurant retail sales. This is a strong indication that existing restaurants could expand and new restaurants could be successful by capturing some of the current sales going to surrounding communities. Restaurants therefore are a target business category and a high priority.