Whiteville leaders optimistic about economic growth

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — From the renovated Vineyard Depot to the widening of Highway 701, lots of things are taking place in Whiteville in which city leaders are optimistic will spark economic growth.

After years of submitting applications, Whiteville was recently chosen as an “Associate Main Street” city by the N.C.  Dept. of Commerce. This is important because it means the city will now receive $50,000 in state funding to cover costs associated with planning and technical assistance for a downtown facelift.

“It will add grant opportunities and also add some different components for downtown that Whiteville is seeking to improve the area,” Whiteville Planning Director Robert Lewis said during an interview on WWAY’s Good Morning Carolina.

In addition, Lewis says the city is seeking a historic district recognition from the Office of Historic Preservation for two specific places in downtown Whiteville.

“One area is off West Columbus Street where minority educators and teachers once lived and a second area is off Pickney Street where the city plans to extend to the downtown historic district,” Lewis said.

Not only is it important to preserve these areas historically, Lewis says it will also help the city enhance marketing and tourism efforts to lure visitors.

“I think as they pass through on [Highway] 701, maybe on your on the way to the beach, you pass a sign that says come check out historic Whiteville, if we can work to that designation of course, it really gives people a place to come and check out the area,” said Whiteville Economic Development Planner Sean Martin.

Currently, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is doing a widening project of a Highway 701 in which Whiteville city leaders say will improve access in the area.

“Highway 701 is the busiest highway that runs through the city, so widening that road will create a more urban environment and create some economic development opportunities for some new businesses to locate,” Martin said.

In downtown Whiteville’s business district, the former Vineland Depot, built in 1903 and one of North Carolina’s original brick depots, has been renovated with space to host parties and special events.

“I’ll be catering to the business owners there and looking forward to potential new business owners and their ideas,” Martin said. “We’d love to have any kind of event, we’d love to have any kind of wedding and it will be the center for our economic development moving forward.”