2 | CRAFTING HICKORY Catawba•Caldwell•Burke•Alexander•Iredell•Lincoln•Mecklenburg Weservethefollowingcounties: VOTEDBESTOFCATAWBAVALLEY3YEARSINAROW! CATAWBA VALLEY Bestof HICKORY DAILY RECORD LikeUsOn & •ManagesApartmentComplexes,Duplexes,Townhomes, SingleFamilyHomes, Com merciala nd More •Tenantpaymentsonline•Maintenancerequestsonline •OwnersonlinePortal•ConvenientlyLocated •OwnersonlinePortal•ConvenientlyLocated WeHaveTheBestRates! 3454thSt.NW,Hickory,NC28601 YouDeserveMore....That’sWhyWe’re SettingtheStandardinPropertyManagement! YOU’VETRIEDTHEREST.... NOWTRYTHEBEST! THEBESTPROPERTYMANAGEMENTCOMPANY! “WeManageSoYouDon’ tHaveTo” 828.578-RENT Callusat HometownProfessionals! LocallyOwnedandOperated. WhitePamRhondaAllison
is nearing completion in the next two years. The City Walk portion is finished. The Riverwalk on-land portion is almost completed with the overwater bridge estimated for completion in 2023. The Aviation Walk, which will cross U.S. 321 with an elevated bridge, and includes a 10-foot multipurpose path to L.P. Frans Stadium, home of the Hickory Crawdads baseball team, and the Hickory Regional Airport, is under construction. The OLLE Art Walk and Historic Ridgeview Walk will be under construction soon. These trails lead residents and visitors from LenoirRhyne University through the Ridgeview community and the Downtown to Lake Hickory, the baseball stadium, and the airport, with many amenities and points of interest along the path.
in expanding Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard from Tate Boulevard, these catalysts sparked further revitalization efforts in the University Mill District. This led to Hollar Mill, Moretz Mills, Lyerly Mill, and Piedmont Wagon’s renovations and being revitalized for new business.
Hickory Trail
THE HICKORY THAT WAS ONCE ENVISIONED IS NOW HERE!
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | 3
Revitalization
Former Mayor Rudy Wright envisioned that the City would leverage the bond money to gain additional grants for more projects and improvements. The City has been able to gain an additional $50 million in grants to increase the total to $90 million in City improvements.
Crafting Hickory is not simply beautification projects and added amenities for the City. Its true purpose is to spur economic activity and produce job growth for the city. Governments cannot directly create jobs for their cities. They can create an atmosphere that promotes job growth and encourages private corporations to relocate or open new businesses within the municipality. An important part of creating the necessary pro-business environment is offering a quality of place that is attractive to businesses and the employees they want to hire.
Sails Original Music Series on Union Square
n early 2012, the City of Hickory recognized that a plan was necessary to economically revitalize the City. While every city is unique, some basic concepts for promoting growth and revitalization are unchanging from city to city. Hickory’s City Council visited some successfully revitalized cities. From those visits, the voters passed a $40 million bond referendum that was created in 2014. The Hickory Trail was born from that referendum, and has spurred private development across the entire city.
The City of Hickory, Catawba County, and the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation partnered to bring Trivium Corporate Center to life on Startown Road. What was once dairy
Trivium Corporate Center
The Hickory that was once envisioned is now here. A 10-mile Hickory Trail
Before the bond referendum, The Granary in the University Mill District made some private investments to renovate the mill building. Along with the City’s investment
I
4 | CRAFTING HICKORY
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
Lake Hickory
Renovated Downtown and new City Walk
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
In 2019, the City invested $3.53 million to renovate Downtown Hickory. The
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
City Walk at Union Square
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | 5
American Fuji Seal, a global pioneer in the manufacturing of shrink sleeve labels, self-adhesive labels (pressure sensitive labels), spouted pouches, and packaging
Downtown Renovation
Two major private housing investments also changed the face of Downtown. One North Center, owned and operated by an entity of David E. Looper & Company, is a new, market rate, mixed-use
Themachinery.fivetenants at Trivium Corporate Center, and the expansions of existing firms, are bringing at least 1,023 highpaying jobs to Hickory. With Trivium and several residential and commercial projects along the Hickory Trail, the bond program has generated over $601 million in private investment.
farmland is now a Class-A Business Park with five international companies, creating products for the world in Hickory, North Carolina. The park includes two new Corning facilities, cable manufacturing operations for its Optical Communications business segment; Cataler North America Corporation, developing and suppling catalysts and activated carbon products to customers around the world based on new environmental technologies that purify air and water; Gusmer Enterprises, Inc., manufacturing and selling a wide range of products geared towards the winemaking, brewing, edible oil, and pharmaceutical markets; Isotopen Technologien München AG (ITM), a group of specialized radiopharmaceutical companies; and
Trivium Corporate Center
plans were to increase “dwell time” in Downtown by creating spaces where visitors could comfortably enjoy solitary or group activities, as well as increase economic development opportunities. With Hickory’s weather being conducive to outdoor activities for most of the year, people can enjoy entertainment, shopping, walking, running, and biking on the City Walk through Downtown, or just sitting and relaxing at the tables or the new rocking chairs on Union Square.
Photo courtesy of BPope Productions
One North Center is great addition Downtown living.
to
a
are more outdoor amenities for recreation and pedestrian access. The arts are flourishing and have an important role in the Hickory community. There are new, additional entertainment options and the area has a greater appeal to the younger generation. A larger diversity of citizens is making Hickory home.”
Even with these changes and improvements, Hickory continues to maintain its integrity and identity. The brand statement of “Life. Well Crafted.” rings as true today, as it did ten years ago.
Investments Developmentand
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development in Downtown Hickory. Additionally, Center Crossing, owned and operated by Woda Cooper Companies, is an affordable housing apartment complex for those aged 55 and older. These two new apartments have allowed Hickory to offer various opportunities for Downtown living, which wasn’t there
Trail and Trivium have spurred 397 new housing units within a half-mile of each project. From 2018 to 2020, there were 1,135 new residential permits issued in Hickory.
“The investment that the City has placed into developing the quality of life in Hickory has been doing what it was meant to do…create economic development, spur private investment in the City, and more and more people are finding Hickory a destination to visit, live, work, and retire,” said Mayor Hank Guess. “There
The investments from the Hickory Trail, Trivium, and the Downtown have spurred additional private investments throughout the city. From a new Airbnb hotel, to restaurants, entertainment venues, retail businesses, corporate wastoMetronet,to-the-homeexpansions,headquartersandanewfiber-networkviacompanieswantbeinHickory.HickoryrankedamongtheTop
Thebefore.Hickory
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | 7
Union Square is a hub for entertainment and retail.
Photo courtesy of Hickory Metro CVB
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
Vibrant Downtown mural
8 | CRAFTING HICKORY
Life. Well Crafted. Former Mayor Jeff Cline had previously stated, “In 20 years, newcomers arriving in Hickory will never imagine the recession we went through in the early part of the century. They’ll see the vitality, the amenities, the excitement, the jobs, the lifestyle, and they’ll understand why everyone wants to move to Hickory. But all that will be the result of the planning and investment we’re doing right now.”
Future Riverwalk along Lake Hickory
100 Best-Performing Cities by the Milken Institute in April 2022. Along with North Carolina ranking number one in America’s Top States for Business in July 2022, Hickory is a destination for people to live, work, and enjoy their life.
Mayor Cline, you were right!
development, we need to think like a community of 100,000 people, not 43,000.” Wood added, “Hickory’s location is ideal for access to amenities, destinations, highways, and airports, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and mountains, while just as accessible to big city attractions. Intersected by three major highways, I-40, U.S. 321, and U.S. 70, it is just an hour drive to Asheville, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Boone.” This makes Hickory not only convenient, but also affordable to live and work. Hickory was named the most affordable metro and ranked among the best places to live in America, according to
In a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) with more than 365,000 residents, including Catawba County’s population of close to 159,000, Hickory’s daytime population more than doubles from the City’s population of more than 43,000. Hickory City Manager Warren Wood said, “Regarding the approach to economic
U.S. News’ May 2022 rankings.
$601 m
With Trivium and several residential and commercial projects along the Hickory Trail, the bond program has generated over $601 million in private investment.
CRAFTING HICKORY
PRIVATE INVESTMENT
The Hickory Trail and Trivium have spurred 397 new housing units within a half-mile of each project. From 20182020, there were 1,135 new residential permits issued in Hickory.
FOR PROJECT DETAILS AND UPDATES: WWW.CRAFTINGHICKORY.COM
NEW JOBS
$90 m
To date, the City of Hickory has leveraged the $40 million bond referendum approved by Hickory voters to secure an additional $50 million in grant funding.
1,023
397
PROJECTS
NEW HOUSING UNITS
Five tenants at Trivium Corporate Center and expansions of existing firms will bring at least 1,023 high-paying jobs to Hickory.
Marla Gusmer Jeffrey, President of Gusmer Enterprises, Inc.
10 | CRAFTING HICKORY Professional&Frien Drain Cleanings & General Plumbing Needs Whole House Re pipes Tank & Tankless Water Heaters Repair/Installs Wat Filtration Systems & Softeners B Laundry, & Kitchen Plumbing r, & Fuel Gas Line Repair/Installs Pndly0500 ng.com CALLUSTODAY! ServingHickory&ImmediateAreas Experienced,Professional,ReasonablyPriced ResidentialandCommercialJobs LicensedandInsured WHATWEOFFER Ourprojectexperienceincludes: NewConstructionandRemodels NewWaterandSewerLineInstallation NaturalandPropaneGasWork WholeHousePlumbingInspections NailandHairSalons CoffeeShopsandRestaurants WarehouseandBusinessComplexes PropertyManagementandRealEstateAgents Residential: CommercialClients: er athroom, Water, Sewe 8 2 8 - 3 2 4 - 0 www.3rdRockPlumbing " “Gusmer is thrilled to open our newest manufacturing operation in Hickory, NC this year! After an extensive nationwide search, we concluded that the Trivium Corporate Center located in Hickory, NC provided the best fit based on its access to a skilled workforce, transportation ports, and being in a manufacturing friendly region. The wonderful support that we received from the Hickory community enabled us to construct this 135,000-sq-ft GMP facility in just about one year. Gusmer Enterprises, Inc. is a century old family business that has become a leading manufacturer and supplier of fermentation and filtration products for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The entire Gusmer team is proud of our long-term collaborative partnerships, and we look forward to continuing to grow and develop successfully with the entire Hickory, NC community.”
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | 11 "
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Zack Cranford, Cranford Hospitality, Owner of Charolais Steakhouse, Granny’s Country Kitchen, and Standard Oyster Company in Hickory MOC.EYE-ENOTSYARG• 0202-626 ( ?tnemtnioppa "
weekly basis.
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“For we have almost a As went overseas, lost its Now, Hickory’s infrastructure and proximity to has helped Hickory regain its stride and more. The future is bright.” of
“I opened Crafted in downtown Hickory close to five years ago. I have loved to see downtown evolve over the years and can't wait to see what the future holds.”
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"Hickory is home and now is a more exciting time than ever to be here. The city's fruit is ripening and we're seeing it repeatedly, thanks to strong leadership and a clear vision. In part, my family made a commitment years ago to invest in our community businesses that would make our family, team, and proud. We're to play a small role our city into a diverse and Hickory."
Lat Purser, CEO/Chairman
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Carolina
REACHINGELEVATE:NEWHEIGHTSTHROUGHEDUCATIONANDINNOVATION
• 1-to-World Technology - Connecting students with the technology they need to optimize learning inside and outside the classroom;
To accomplish this, K-64 focuses on six priority areas:
• Work-based Learning - Facilitating job shadowing, internships, co-ops, work-study programs and apprenticeships to connect students with global career opportunities and local employers;
True to the collaborative spirit of the region, local educational institutions, business organizations, and community
Hickory Public Schools
• Character and Soft Skills Development - Ensuring students are prepared to engage in work and in life by learning critical soft skills such as goal setting, interpersonal communication, and team building;
Catawba County is committed to crafting tomorrow’s leaders through the gamechanging K-64 education initiative.
K-64 is a systemic approach to shaping future careers and meeting workforce demands by connecting students and employers throughout the educational curriculum. From learning in technologyrich environments to experiencing local and global employment possibilities, K-64 actively engages students of all ages in preparing for viable and sustainable careers throughout their lifetime.
• Career Adaptability - Ensuring access to relevant educational services and training opportunities to help adults develop nimble skill sets and assure career longevity.
14 | CRAFTING HICKORY
A
skilled labor force is vital for economic development and the success of any community. As the revitalization of Hickory continues with investments in public infrastructure, housing, and business, Hickory’s educational partners are working together to transform lives by investing in the people of the “Economicregion.Development and Education are synonymous terms. Without one you cannot and will not have the other in today’s competitive labor marketplace,” said Scott Millar, President of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation. “Hickory excels in this arena, precisely because it recognizes you have to create and fund programs for the entire workforce spectrum from K-64, from veterans services to certificate programs and beyond.”
• Tech-Savvy Educators - Continually
• Employer Engagement - Cultivating collaborative partnerships with businesses to invest in the development of a wellprepared and highly engaged workforce of tomorrow; and
HPS (registered as Hickory City Schools) serves approximately 4,000 students in
Photo courtesy of Hickory Public Schools
K-64
partners work together to support K-64, including Catawba Valley Community College, Catawba County Schools, Hickory Public Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, Catawba County Government, Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, The Chamber of Catawba County, Lenoir-Rhyne University, and Appalachian State University.
equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate leadingedge technologies into lesson plans and classroom environments;
Hickory Public Schools (HPS) offers families more than a journey of excellence in education. The children who attend HPS, a district of educational service since 1903, experience life-changing opportunities, setting a course for achievement in higher education, the workforce, or the military.
Lenoir-Rhyne University
of Lenoir-Rhyne graduates are employed or in graduate school six months after graduation. The University was also recently named a U.S. News Top 40 School for Social Mobility and Best Value in the South.
Hickory, North Carolina, and employs nearly 500 dedicated personnel. The district’s diverse enrollment represents 63 percent students of color with a global representation of 30 different languages spoken in the homes of the students.
Photo courtesy of Hickory Public Schools
Graduating seniors have earned nearly $30 million in collective scholarships over the past five years. Several factors have contributed to students’ successful
attempted hours from an accredited North Carolina community college and a 3.5 GPA.
Lenoir-Rhynestudents.continues
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | 15
• Hickory High School has expanded course offerings through the Advanced Placement (AP) pathway—with the addition of the AP Diploma and the AP International Diploma.•Hickory High (as well as the two middle schools, 6th through 8th grade) offers the only orchestra program in the county. Excellence in the “academics, the arts, and the athletics” contributes to the solid reputation of the school’s success stories.•Dual Language Immersion (Spanish) is now offered in three elementary schools.
• And HPS has frequently been recognized on a state and national level for outstanding achievements representative of the faculty, staff, and most importantly, the students. The district’s schools create small learning communities in which mutually respectful relationships support students’ intellectual, ethical, and social growth.
earned 100 percent in multiple licensed/ certified programs that are typically offered on the college level and beyond.
• HPS has more than doubled the participation of students enrolled in College and Career Pathways through the partnership with Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) and the Scholars Program with Lenoir-Rhyne University for juniors and seniors.
journeys:•TheK-64
initiative provides one-to-one technology (Chromebooks) to every student in middle and high school. Academic lessons at all levels frequently incorporate technology.•Hickory Career and Arts Magnet High School (HCAM) soars with pathways for career education. In partnership with Catawba Valley Community College, HCAM enhanced the school’s technology academy with the use of drones. The students have
In addition to excellent educational opportunities in the K-12 school systems, Hickory is home to a flourishing liberal arts university, a future state university campus, and one of the nation’s leading community colleges.
Founded in 1891, Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR) is a co-educational, private, liberal arts institution offering 50 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate degree programs. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, LR enrolls more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate
“Lenoir-Rhyne is committed to educational access, affordability, and in developing pathways for students to make completing a bachelor’s degree a reality. Some 99 percent of our students receive financial aid through the institution, and our LenoirRhyne Promise offers at least 50 percent off tuition to any qualified North Carolina resident who has a 3.5 GPA or greater — in high school or when transferring from an accredited North Carolina community college,” said Dr. Fred Whitt, President of the Today,University.96percent
“Lenoir-Rhyne University is a proud and engaged member of the Hickory community,” said Dr. Whitt. “The success and growth of Lenoir-Rhyne is intrinsically linked to Hickory. The City offers an extraordinary business community, thriving downtown, great restaurants, unmatched recreational opportunities, cultural events, and more. Hickory’s many businesses, nonprofits and schools provide community service, internship, and employment opportunities for students and university
to work with the community to identify the programs and skills it needs. LR has created new partnerships to help increase the number of teachers in North Carolina, prepare community college students for the transition to a four-year degree, and added new majors that meet the demands of students and employers. In addition, LR’s commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible continues through the Lenoir-Rhyne Promise, which offers a minimum of 50 percent off tuition to any North Carolina resident who is a first-year undergraduate student with a 3.5 or higher high school GPA, or to a transfer undergraduate student with more than 30
Over the years, Moretz Stadium has become a treasured part of the LenoirRhyne experience as the backdrop for hosting football and men’s and women’s lacrosse, commencement, and campus events, as well as community events like concerts, high school graduations, camps, and youth sports.
In 2022, Lenoir-Rhyne embarked on an $18 million renovation of the stadium to enhance the game-day experience for student-athletes and fans. Improvements include new and enhanced grandstands, new entrances on the west and east sides, new LED lighting, new concession stands and restrooms, two new video boards, new press box, and a new fieldhouse for the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. The renovation also added eight luxury suites and a club VIP seating area, making Moretz Stadium one of the few Division II schools with suites and club seating.
Renovated Moretz Stadium
16 | CRAFTING HICKORY
alumni who lay down roots, build their lives and careers, and raise families here.”
The City Walk section of the Hickory Trail connects LR students with the Hickory community by creating a direct link to the renovated Downtown, future Riverwalk, and Lake Hickory, as well as other destinations and amenities throughout the city.
The stadium renovation will allow LR to provide nationally competitive facilities for its NCAA Division II athletics program,
Photo courtesy of Lenoir-Rhyne University
Photo courtesy of Lenoir-Rhyne University
aid in the recruitment of student-athletes, and enhance Lenoir-Rhyne’s position as a university recognized for both its academic and athletic success.
“Our strong ties to the Hickory community make it possible for us to complete our student-driven mission — to develop the whole person, to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build a sense of community, and promote responsible leadership for service to the world,” said Dr. Whitt. “As we look to the future, we are committed to continuing our productive and collaborative partnership with the City.”
Photo courtesy of Lenoir-Rhyne University
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Lenoir-Rhyne University campus
To remedy this realization, Appalachian State University closed on the purchase of a 225,800-square-foot building on November 19, 2021, to establish the App State Hickory Campus. The former Corning Optical Communications building on U.S. 321 is now in the process of being transformed into Hickory’s first public university campus. The six-story building is larger than any building on App State’s Boone campus and sits on 15.7 acres of land with large open spaces, a cafeteria, and nearly 700 parking spaces.
“Hickory is a vibrant, growing city, just a short drive from Boone, that offers opportunities for App State to continue the mission we
18 | CRAFTING HICKORY
Recognizing that App State’s growth potential in Boone is limited, the university started looking for areas that have growth capacity and market potential for both on-campus and online programs. The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metro Area — with a population of more than 365,000 — was identified as the largest metro area in North Carolina without a state university presence.
When the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) Western Campus opens in Morganton in fall 2022,
College in Hickory, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, and Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton are all within a 30-minute drive of the App State Hickory Campus, and all three are partners in the Aspire Appalachian Co-Admission Program, which provides a seamless pathway for students enrolled at partner community colleges to complete their degree at App State.
The App State Hickory Campus has frontage along U.S. 321 and is ideally situated less than 2 miles from Hickory Regional Airport, 4 miles from I-40, and close to Downtown Hickory as well as two regional Catawbahospitals.ValleyCommunity
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian currently enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
have had since 1899 — to increase access to education,” App State Chancellor Sheri Everts said at an event announcing the purchase.
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University Hickory Campus
a rich history of craftsmanship and furniture manufacturing. Today, the Catawba Valley Furniture Academy at CVCC is an industry-driven training program designed by local furniture manufacturers to prepare students for skilled positions that are in high demand by one of the region's largest employers.
CVCC also continues the development of its new Public Safety Training Center off Sweetwater Road in Hickory. The 55,000-square-foot training center pad is used by the college and local agencies to teach students and train seasoned public service professionals in fire safety, emergency medical service, and law
Offering more than 50 programs of study and enrolling 4,800 students, Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) is a comprehensive learning community that provides a multitude of collegiate, industrial/vocational, and life-skills/personal enrichment experiences.
The CVCC Workforce Solutions Complex is a leading-edge 80,400-square-foot facility housing technology and engineering programs. The $25 million project is the culmination of many years of planning and collaboration with the three public school systems. The building includes state-ofthe-art classrooms, offices, labs, and shop areas for students studying HVAC systems, welding, automotive mechanics, machining, engineering, mechatronics, and more. The Workforce Solutions Complex ensures a future pipeline of talent for high-tech jobs, making our area even more attractive to new and expanding industry.
realized throughout the state, region, and beyond."
Workforce Solutions Complex at CVCC
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | 19
Catawba Valley Community College
App State and NCSSM will be able to develop partnerships on research projects, particularly related to sustainability and resilience in Western North Carolina.
While the university continues developing plans for its Hickory programs, the location of the App State Hickory Campus within Hickory’s budding innovation district and the evolving educational needs of the region are sure to inspire its future offerings. The App State Hickory Campus plans to welcome its first students in the fall of 2023.
"At App State, we are looking forward to building even stronger relationships and to amplifying our presence in order to serve Hickory and the greater area," added Chancellor Everts. "As we join together, our surrounding communities are elevated, and the benefits are then
"We have terrific partners in Hickory," said Chancellor Everts. "We are excited to continue the work we have begun to ensure that the App State Hickory Campus extends our mission of teaching, research, and service to the region and the state, and meets the needs of the greater Hickory area. The potential is limitless!"
CVCC consistently ranks as one of the top community colleges in the nation and is widely recognized for its innovative programs that are cultivating a new generation of doers and makers and providing individuals with the tools and training to be successful in today’s Hickoryworkforce.has
Indoor hangar for vintage military aircraft
investment for the region’s future. These partnerships represent the secret sauce to our community’s future success and vitality,” said Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, President of CVCC.
Hickory Aviation Museum and CVCC Workforce Innovation Center
Aviation and education will come together in a groundbreaking new facility at the Hickory Regional Airport. The City of Hickory is partnering with the Sabre Society of North Carolina/Hickory Aviation Museum
“Catawba Valley Community College understands its role in workforce and economic development and partners with our community to assure that educational opportunities are accessible to all of our citizens. Partnering with our local school systems, municipalities, county government, other regional institutions of higher education, and private business has resulted in a significant return on
Future Hickory Aviation Museum and CVCC Workforce Innovation Center
20 | CRAFTING HICKORY
enforcement. The property also contains a new four-story training tower and burn building for firefighters to practice realworld skills in a simulated environment.
and CVCC to construct a building to house the museum's vintage military aircraft, preserve aviation history, and provide STEM education and workforce development
Theopportunities.expanded
Hickory Aviation Museum will feature a hangar to preserve and display aircraft and will also serve as the site of CVCC's Workforce Innovation Center, a regional educational campus with flexible use space providing hightech equipment, classrooms, and virtual simulators for training.
“As our local economy continues to grow, our college continues its commitment to creating new and innovative initiatives to add fuel to the progress of the region. One of newest initiatives is a partnership with the City of Hickory to establish a new Workforce Innovation Center as an enhancement to the Hickory Aviation Museum project,” said Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, President of CVCC.
underway with McMillan Pazdan Smith as the architect.
The new museum and educational center will be located at Hickory Regional Airport, just off Runway 6/24 in Catawba County and Burke County. Construction design of the $22 million endeavor is currently
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | 21
In addition to the funding appropriated from the North Carolina State Legislature for the CVCC Workforce Innovation Center, the Sabre Society of North Carolina has raised over $4.4 million of the goal for the project as of August 2022 and continues to pursue additional funding. Visit www.elevatehky.com for more information about this project and how to support it by making a tax-deductible contribution.
“Thanks to the work of Senator Dean Proctor, Representative Mitchell Setzer, and Representative Jay Adams, the college received a $15 million allocation
to construct this new educational center focused on the workforce. We are extremely excited to establish a new innovative higher education facility, located at the Hickory Regional Airport, that will serve the entire region with expanded workforce education opportunities and innovative programming that will be second to none,” said Dr. Hinshaw.
W
There are 32 current housing projects that have either been completed, are under construction, or are in the planning review stage. These 32 projects will continue Hickory’s mission to provide varied and diverse types of housing opportunities with the goal of being economical, attainable, and creating a Life. Well Crafted.
Of the 32 projects, nine have already been completed within the last 18 months. These include single family homes, duplexes, multi-family homes, and both One North Center and Preston Ridge, two mixed-use residential and commercial developments. One North Center, located in the heart of downtown, has 95 market
22 | CRAFTING HICKORY
hen it comes to new housing development, Hickory continues to grow. This is evidenced by a recent announcement by U.S. News, ranking Hickory as the most affordable metro area to live in the United States.
rate, residential apartments. In addition to the apartments, the building also hosts Athletique, an athletic clothing store, in addition to a fitness center, a leasing office, and two new restaurants, which will be coming soon. With these new properties in place, housing will continue to become more available and accessible to all those that wish to build their life in Hickory.
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
HOUSING CONTINUES TO GROW IN HICKORY
Ridgefield Place affordable subdivision
In addition to these projects, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) has been working to create affordable housing units for senior citizens and low to moderate income families for the past 10 years. Over those years, the NCHFA has worked on five different affordable housing projects. For senior
Thirteen projects are currently under construction, creating single and multifamily homes that consist of 1,458 units combined. The remaining 10 projects under plan review consist of single family, multi-family, and mixed-use developments, totaling 1,284 units. These remaining projects are in different stages of completion. Three of the projects host over 200 units each and will continue to provide homes to the families of Hickory and prove why the city is rated not only the most affordable metro area, but one of the best places to live in the United States, as well.
two houses, the City decided to build more than two houses at a time. This led to a partnership with local construction company, JRN Construction, to build six houses under City oversight. These homes are for six families making under 80 percent of area median income. All six houses are currently under construction and under contract, and the City expects these houses to be completed with families residing in them by late September 2022.
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
As these new housing opportunities continue to become available in Hickory, the City has continued to ensure there are housing options available to low
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | 23
Woda Cooper’s Center Crossing
and moderate income members of the community. In February 2020, the City began a partnership with HALCO Contractors and Habitat for Humanity for the construction of two low to moderate income houses for those that make less than 80 percent of the area median income, approximately $53,900 for a family of four. Currently, both houses have been completed, sold, and are home to families in ThisHickory. pastyear, the City continued to help low to moderate income families in Hickory by building homes. The City began with building two houses, which were then sold to local families. With the success of those
Sweetwater Village Townhomes
Hickory Affordable Housing Initiative
citizens, these projects are Viewmont Square Court and Center Crossing, offering 50 units each. For low to moderate income families, these projects are The Lodge, consisting of 82 units; Highland Park, consisting of 72 units; and Catawba Crossing, consisting of 72 units. These affordable housing units total to 326 units, allowing more opportunities for those in Hickory to live in a home they can afford.
These affordable homes are centrally located near the Historic Ridgeview Walk, Ridgeview Branch Library, and Taft Broome Park, allowing their occupants direct access to Hickory’s community.
Ridgefield Place
Economic Development Growth. Natural Beauty. Skilled Workforce. Life. Well Crafted. Connected Community. Excellent Location. THE REGIONAL HUB OF 365,000 PEOPLE.
