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.

Too Much Sylvia Rolls into Downtown Lincolnton

The 2008 Griffin Agency Nationwide Insurance Alive After Five concert series is back! On Thursday, July 31, 2008 the streets of downtown Lincolnton will be dancing to the sounds of Too Much Sylvia, presented by Peoples Bank. Admission is free and coolers are not allowed in this event. The show kicks off at 6:00pm and runs till 9:00pm. There will be music, food and fun for the entire family.

As a special addition to this month's Alive After Five, The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton will be holding a drawing during the concert for a gift certificate from Court Street Grille and two $50 Downtown Dollar Gift Certificates. Stop by any participating downtown Lincolnton business, starting this week, to fill out an entry form and drop it in the box next to the register. On Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 4pm, all entry forms will be picked up from participating businesses. Winners will be randomly selected during the concert that night. The winners must be present at Alive After Five when their names are called to claim their prizes. For further information please call 704-736-8915.

This Alive After Five is also bike night, welcoming all motorcycle enthusiasts to ride in and enjoy the fun. The National Guard will have a rock-climbing wall for adventure seekers to test out their skills. There will also be a NASCAR Nationwide Series Car on display for everyone to enjoy. So grab your lawn chairs and bring the neighbors to enjoy the musical sounds of Too Much Sylvia Thursday, July 31, 2008.

Downtown Development Association Community Blood Drive

DDA is sponsoring a community blood drive on Thursday, July 31, 2008 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm during the Alive After Five Concert Series. Stop by the Community Bloodmobile that will be parked downtown and donate. All presenting donors will qualify to win a weekly drawing for a $50 Gas Gift Card and a monthly drawing for a $500 Gas Gift Card!!

Apple Queen Pageant Celebrates 30 Years

Every year as a kick-off to The Lincoln County Apple Festival, Lincolnton host The Lincoln County Apple Queen Pageant and this year is the pageant's 30th anniversary. Event organizers are hoping to make this year's pageant one of the best thus far. The first Apple Queen was crowned in 1978 in the cafeteria of S.Ray Lowder Elementary School. Since then, the pageant has been held at the James W. Warren Citizens Center. There has been 28 girls crowned and 266 lovely contestants. This year's pageant will be held on Saturday August 9, 2008 at 7:00pm-11:00pm at the James W. Warren Citizens Center. So come out and enjoy an entertaining evening of poise and grace.

2008 Find Your Independents Winner

For the past two weeks Lincolnton has been celebrating "Independents Days" to motivate consumers to support their community by shopping at locally owned, independent businesses. Many residents of Lincolnton celebrated Independents Days by participating in the Shop Local Challenge and the Find Your Independents Scavenger Hunt. The winner of the Find Your Independents Scavenger Hunt was randomly selected from all the completed game cards endorsed by the participating businesses.

The 2008 Find Your Independents winner is Jennifer Sinclair of Lincolnton. " I enjoyed the scavenger hunt a lot, I walked into businesses that I haven't been into before" said Sinclair.

Sinclair received a prize pack of items from Clark Tire and Auto Supply, Classy Consignments, Color Me Pretty, Heavenly Paws Pet Grooming, House of Trophies/Classic Art and Framing, Kate McCall, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio and Southern Charm Wines.

Downtown Lincolnton Welcomes...

Southern Charm Wines
235-D East Main Street, Lincolnton

Is now open featuring Hand-Crafted Wines, Ashe County Cheese, Timmerman Fine Wrought Iron Furniture, Wine Kits and supplies for the Home Vintner, gift baskets, pottery by Kimbrell Frazier, Hal Dedmon and Corine Guseman, Hand-Woven baskets, Gourmet baked goods and snacks as well as various wine accessories. Southern Charm Wines, believe in the value of hand-crafted treasures and that's exactly what you'll find.

Everyone is invited to attend their Grand Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 5:30 pm. The Celebration continues on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 with free wine tastings and daily drawings. There will also be exclusive Grand Opening Specials during the week of July 24 - July 26.

Hours:

Tuesday - Friday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Phone:704-240-9899

Downtown Lincolnton Welcomes....

36th Street Bakery, Cafe & Catering
101 North Court Sq. Lincolnton

The bakery is now open, known for their world famous creme horns also offers breakfast panini sandwiches, fresh baked pastries, gourmet dips, signature sandwiches and salads as well as gourmet coffees including mochas, lattes, and espressos. Some of their services include wedding and event cakes, catering company luncheons, cocktail receptions, formal dinner parties and casual gatherings. The Grand Opening and Ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for August 7th, at 10:00am.


Hours:

Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Phone Number:
704-735-1117

Website:
www.36thstreetbakery.com

Window Decorating Contest Winners

The Winners of the 4th of July Window Decorating Contest are:

1st Place: Estate Jewelers
2nd Place: The Furniture Construction Company
3rd Place: Lighthouse Christian Book Store
4th Place: Lincoln Mutual Insurance Company

Congratulations! We look forward to your participation in the future.

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.