Garner Economic Development 2018-19 Annual Report 1 | Page 10

DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION
As Downtown Garner comes up on its 10th year in the North Carolina Main Street
Program, there is a lot to celebrate.
Since 2009, our downtown has seen tremendous growth,
with 14 net new businesses opening, 5 business expansions,
and 84 net new full time and 30 part time jobs created. The
Town of Garner has invested $14.7 million in public funds
to spur downtown’s economic revitalization. As a result of
that public investment, the private sector has invested $8.2
million in property development, and business creation;
with completion of the town’s $9 million Recreation Center
in the business district, we anticipate a significant uptick in
private investment over the next five years.
The Downtown Garner Association (DGA) serves as the
town’s downtown advisory organization and is responsible
for implementing the economic vision for Main Street.
DGA coordinates over 50 community members and
volunteers to serve on Main Street committees and put
on downtown events on an annual basis. In 2018-2019,
volunteers donated 580 hours to our organization, valued
at $14,749; since 2009, over 4,000 volunteer hours have
been donated, representing a community investment
worth $88,386 to our downtown.
DEVELOPMENT SITE
A new public-private development opportunity that will
significantly expand the commercial footprint of downtown
is on the horizon. In 2020, the town will seek proposals for
private development of the vacant pad next to the brand-
new Recreation Center on the corner of Purvis and Main.
The new commercial development will be designed to
fit with the historic nature of downtown and will provide
10,000-20,000 sq. ft in a multi-story building. DGA’s
Downtown Development committee has been preparing
for the RFP process by creating a vision for the site –
community volunteers on the committee have identified
the need for a mixed-use concept that could provide space
for a restaurant and upper level office space for creative
class businesses. The Town has contracted with the
Development Finance Initiative (DFI) at the UNC School
of Government to help with the process of developing the
property. DFI will conduct pre-development site analysis
and provide updated market research for all of downtown
to aid future business recruitment. The town will work with
DGA and DFI to launch a Request for Proposals and vet
potential developers in mid-2020.
MURAL
A new mural is putting Downtown Garner on the cultural arts
map in Wake County. The Garner mural, which incorporates
imagery of native North Carolina birds and wildflowers with
elements of Garner’s historic railroad heritage, was funded
through a partnership between the United Arts Council
of Raleigh and Wake County, the property owner, Patrick
Byrd, and the Downtown Garner Association. In addition its
cultural contribution to the historic district, the mural also
serves as a compelling visual for economic revitalization.
Up and coming artist Sean Kernick designed and painted
the mural to represent Downtown Garner’s upward
trajectory as the area undergoes economic revitalization.
It has quickly become a landmark in Garner and a popular
spot for photographs – which means new customers and
increasing business coming to Main Street.
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