Old Glory Mill is a catalytic opportunity to Revitalize Rhodhiss with a town center that includes housing, businesses, jobs, event space, Burke River Trail, outdoor recreation and more while preserving the rich heritage of the town. BRTA was awarded a technical assistance grant from Opportunity Appalachia for the project.
Vita Nouva, chosen as the project consultant, was in Rhodhiss for stakeholder meetings October 7-9 to get an idea of housing needs, workforce, educational opportunities, business needs, demographics – existing and desired. State and local elected officials, local government staff, higher education staff, tourism, chamber, state agencies, local business owners, economic development, and real estate professionals came out to share their knowledge.
Rep Hugh Blackwell spoke at the event sharing he had been working with Rhodhiss and Burke River Trail Association since 2020 and it was great to see the current progress.
The open discussion had community leaders talk about the lack of housing for young professionals and that most end up outside of Burke County.
Attendees:
Beth Heile, Rhodhiss Manager Rick Justice, Leigh Ferguson, Tom Mancuso, Allie O’Neill, Rep. Hugh Blackwell, Shawn Hamm (Valdese Rotary and UNC Health Blue Ridge), Aaron Smith, EddyLines LLC (outfitter downriver), Cindy Davis (Western Piedmont Comm College), Paul and Shelly Graf (Copper Penny owners), Tonia Stephenson (Burke County Chamber of Commerce), Alan Wood (BDI), Randy Burns (Burke County Commissioner), Camron Gilstrap (Adaptive Construction), Katherine Christie, (Burke County Tourism), Karen Dickerson (Hickory Grant Manager), David Harmon (architect and project team), Mayor Allen Spencer, Council Member/Mayor Pro Tem, Mike Phillips, Council Member Kendra Edwards, Council Member Donna Price, Brian Heffron (neighbor), Joel Welch (WPCC), David Harmon (architect), Sherri (historian), Carl Compton (past alderman), Eric Heile
Summary of the evening
o There is a need for this to generate taxes for the town and the county.
o There is an opportunity for this to be a destination (gateway to the mountains, branding & storytelling needed), possible hotel options AND a place for locals to build their lives.
o Seeking new businesses and new employers, possible to train local folks
o Retail
o Showcase the river (also part of the destination)
o More restaurants, walkable
o Places to be active, park for kids
o Event space for weddings, 50-60 for rehearsals and corporate events AND destination wedding space 150-200 – Is this use at odds with calling the old mill home? Too urban a feel?
o Library
o Hair salon
o Childcare
o coworking
* Who lives here?
o Children are well educated in the area but once they graduate, the options become limited. Employers need workers. Make this for them.
o Need for furnished apartments
o Rely on naturally occurring affordable housing. How can this be made
affordable?
o Community college professors can’t afford market rates.
o Provide smaller units for younger people
o First opportunity to rent (or own?)
o ASU staff and professors.
o Med students > residents > doctors (want them to stay and build a life)
* How should the new Rhodhiss Town Center feel?
o A hub
o A destination
o Populated / bustling
o Home
o Natural
o Historic
* It should include be/include:
o Water access for all
o Trees and benches (comfort)
o Art
o Overlooks at the trail
o (open on Sundays!)
o Walkable
o Attractive
o Safe & secure