Lincolnton is looking for a developer.
A three-story, century-old building located at 119 E. Court Square in the heart of historic downtown Lincolnton is the perfect opportunity for the right redevelopment team.
The city of Lincolnton is looking for a developer to rehabilitate the structure and welcomes those with experience in mixed-use residential, commercial and entertainment spaces to align with the district’s growing restaurant and cultural scene.
Located in the Central Business Zoning District , 119 E. Court Square is available for outright sale with a bid to support the development’s success.
“Responses may propose multifamily residential use or commercial use. The more unique, the better,” said Jean Derby, planning director for the city of Lincolnton.
Though prospective developers will not be held to National Register District exterior requirements, a respect for the district, history, architecture and cultural environment is expected.
Developers are encouraged to apply for matching facade grants available through the city of Lincolnton. Facade grants aim to help offset improvements to the building, Derby said.
The building qualifies for four different matching facade grants. For example, a $5,000 matching grant requires $2,500 from the developer.
Derby said the three-story brick, wood and plaster-over-brick building is ideally suited for a mixed use of residential apartments and condos on the second and third floors, with retail and restaurant uses for the street-level first floor. Each floor of the building includes approximately 2,400 square feet with 12 foot ceilings.
There is strong demand for housing in the downtown area. According to a recent survey, 44% of respondents said they would pay higher rents to live in a renovated historic building.
Residential sales or leases would be up to the developer, Derby said.
A forgivable loan of up to $50,000 is available to qualified restaurant, brewery or distillery operators. Requirements include a $150,000 upfront investment in a restaurant business with a full-service kitchen, along with occupancy minimum.
The circa 1928 building set on .058 acres is located on the southeast corner of Court Square in the center of downtown Lincolnton.
The first floor has been renovated and currently includes Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant public restrooms and offices. The city is open to relocating the Lincolnton Welcome Center and the Lincolnton Downtown Development Association currently housed on the ground floor of the building.
“The city would also be amenable to a long-term lease for the first-floor offices if the developer is interested,” Derby said.
Lincolnton is no stranger to innovative projects.
“We had a need for additional restaurants, so we did an RFP in 2019 for a restaurant at 110 E. Water Street, across from this property. Local Roots & Provisions opened two years ago and is wildly successful,” she said.
Residents can go out to fun downtown spots for relaxing conversation, like Untapped Territory Craft Beer & Regional Wines and BrickTree Brewing Company.
“The Water Street entertainment area is up-and-coming,” said Derby.
Located directly across the street from the iconic Lincoln County Courthouse, which is currently undergoing redevelopment as a mixed-use community space, 119 E. Court Square allows for a variety of uses.
“It’s a unique site and it’s beautiful. The third floor windows have fantastic views,” she said.
The deadline for proposals, which includes 10 original copies and one electronic copy, is 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023.
A pre-submission meeting and tour are highly recommended. To schedule a tour, contact Jean Derby, city of Lincolnton Planning Department, at jderby@lincolntonnc.org.
For additional information, visit lincolntonnc.org/planning.
