Rocky Mount, NC: Celebrating The End Of The Year On Main Street

WRAL VIDEO CLIP —SAVING THE EPSTEIN BUILDING IN ROCKY MOUNT,NC

https://www.wral.com/news/local/rocky-mount-approves-downtown-development-dec-2024/

Bill West’s recent article in The Telegram also reported this news. The Downtown Major Incentive Grant Program awards up to $500,000 for large-scale renovations of buildings in the central part of the city. They have awarded 250K for the Epstein building. The purpose of this program is to encourage development of downtown properties for a growing number of new and expanding businesses, including restaurants, retail stores and residential space.

A familiar face is a part of this excitement. Once again, Milan Mehta, architect and real estate developer will be involved with repurposing this building. In West’s article, Mehta says he is trying to do his part to bring more developers downtown. “I’m a believer in downtown — and I want all these buildings downtown to maximize their potential.” If only a Xerox machine could make copies of Milan! He is at the forefront of the revitalization efforts in Rocky Mount.

“The building’s owners, Krishna Battula and Anuja Yerra, have developed multiple properties in eastern North Carolina and the Triangle. They will transform the property with a Union3Studio architect, Milan Mehta.”

This 8,791-square-foot building will be what is called a mixed-use development to help revitalize the downtown area. The redevelopment will include converting the ground floor into approximately 1,000 square feet of four commercial spaces. The upper floor will feature five market-rate apartment units. They can’t begin soon enough for me.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas. I love your company on Main Street. When people say, I know who you are, I read your blog, I am a happy camper. We will take up our Main Street cheerleading in the New Year. Here is why…….

“For decades, older communities have used their historic buildings and streetscapes as assets for revitalization, providing a greater diversity of income and cultural background in neighborhoods, increasing property values, increasing job opportunities. As the website for the Main Street program says, “the cumulative success…of the Main Street programs on the local level has earned a reputation as one of the most powerful economic revitalization tools in the nation.” The Nation Trust