Honoring the Past, Building a Future
Earlier this week, I wrote about absentee owners and what distance can cost a downtown. But there is another form of neglect, closer to home, and harder to excuse. When local ownership is at fault, all 5 foot 2 inches, or a little less, of me rises up in indignation on behalf of the commercial … Continue reading Part 2: When Ownership Fails Main Street
There are buildings on Main Street that are not failing because time defeated them. They are failing because ownership did. Let us begin with what absentee ownership is costing Rocky Mount, NC. These owners are not walking the street. They are not seeing the peeling paint, or the water beginning its work along a parapet … Continue reading Part 1: When Ownership Fails Main Street
Rocky Mount continues to build out its entertainment spaces downtown, welcoming people that have different expectations and are a range of ages. 109 Tarboro Street is another new business I was introduced to on my recent tour with Tanika Bryant, Downtown Business Director. A 'way cool' addition in a historic commercial building with a repurposed … Continue reading Another Door Opens Downtown: L’Levation Bar and Lounge
Recently, I had what I call a 'Stepheny kind of day.' I loved my time with Tanika Bryant, Downtown Development Manager, who gave me a thoughtful tour of the new businesses that have been opening, and those soon to open on Main Street and beyond. In this blog and upcoming ones, I want to tell … Continue reading Another Door Opens Downtown: Bustin’ A Gut, 135 SE Main Street
There are new doors open downtown. I had lunch for the first time at this repurposed historic commercial building on Main Street. Loved it! Besides writing about this great food, my passion for the history of the building itself comes into play. It makes for a happy Stepheny. Take time on Tuesday to read this … Continue reading A New Blog Post 4-21-26 7:30AM
Main Street Rocky Mount 