On Tuesday, leaders cut the ribbon on a $1.45 million Main Street revitalization project in Spindale, North Carolina, as the community joins the future of place-based economic development.
SPINDALE, North Carolina—Leaders of the historic textile community of Spindale are celebrating their beloved small town becoming a thriving source of economic growth in Rutherford County
This ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of Phase One of the town's streetscape project. The updates include several features such as widened sidewalks, street trees, custom bike racks and benches, street lighting, and new crosswalks linking Main Street to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail. The project represents a significant step toward reviving Spindale's downtown into a memorable stop along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail.
Spindale's vision includes modernized public spaces, enhanced retail opportunities, and heightened pedestrian access to welcome trail users into downtown, making it a primary destination along the nearly 14-mile trail.
Spindale Mayor, Micky Bland, opened his comments by referring to Downtown Spindale as 'rail trail central' because "we are centrally located between the east and west parts of the trail." He included that this is the first major renovation done in Spindale in 100 years.
Spindale's local leadership and community members have spearheaded this project--one of many infrastructure projects throughout Rutherford County that are part of Rutherford Bound (rutherfordbound.com). This countywide tourism development plan aims to revitalize and enhance quality-of-life infrastructure across Rutherford County through streetscape enhancements, improved parks, pedestrian areas, and a system of greenways, trails, and river access points.
"This project is about connecting people with places. It's about connecting the community. It's about placemaking," said Spindale Town Manager Scott Webber. "All of these things are what brings a community together and what makes us a thriving community."
"What the commissioners and leaders have done here is create a platform to grow small businesses and to make entrepreneurship flourish in Rutherford County," said Eric Woolridge, Director of Planning at Destination By Design, the design firm responsible for the project.
Rural communities embracing this type of change are creating exciting new places for visitors, where families can call home, and where businesses and investors can seek growth opportunities.
"The Rutherford Bound initiative is a countywide asset development plan for all of our communities," said Don Cason, director of the Rutherford County Tourism and Development Authority. "From Bostick to Rutherfordton to Chimney Rock to Ellenborough. This is the future of Rutherford County."
Multiple phases will be required to complete the entire Spindale streetscape master plan, and fundraising and grantmaking efforts will continue as the town and community stakeholders work to further realize the funds needed.
Donations are being raised for additional phases. To learn more about financial partnership opportunities and the infrastructure projects underway in Rutherford County, take a look at all of the current projects.
