Business boom coming to Main Street

Published 1:11 pm Monday, July 2, 2018

A quick drive down Main Street is all it takes to catch a glimpse of the future of Downtown Washington. Amidst a flurry of renovations and restorations, there are no less than eight projects in the works that will bolster the business climate in the heart of the city.

From wellness and groceries to brews and fine dining, investors are bringing new life and new business to long-neglected buildings along the city’s main drag. From the perspective of Washington Harbor District Alliance Executive Director Meg Howdy, there are a number of factors driving the revitalization.

“I think people are taking advantage of the economy right now, and we have a great working relationship with all the different players down here,” Howdy said.

Between the WHDA, the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, the Washington Tourism Development Authority, the city council and Arts of the Pamlico, Howdy says that all the invested parties are pulling in the same direction to help Washington thrive.

At the site that once housed Washington Jewelers, the upstairs will house a suite of luxury apartments, while the lower floor will be home to Copper Canyon Wellness, a health and wellness facility. A bit further down the block, Castle Island Brewery will soon be crafting Washington’s signature beers.

Across the street, the former Bank of Washington building has been redubbed The Hackney, soon to house a gin distillery and fine dining venue. At Haven’s Mill, plans are in motion to create a spot for boaters to grab a quick bite to eat. Another possibility at the property is a fuel dock.

While the final details have not yet been set in stone, a project is also forthcoming at the old Belk-Tyler building on West Main Street. Beside Scoops, Flying Pig Provisions will offer boating gear, candies, groceries and gifts, offering easy access to residents at the Washington Waterfront Docks. At the Suites at 208, two upstairs apartments have been renovated to host travelers through the popular Airbnb service.

Finally, the Harbor District Alliance continues fundraising with the goal of revitalizing the old McClellan’s Five and Dime. With visions of an indoor farmer’s market capable of hosting events and exhibits, the nonprofit hopes to occupy that space sometime in 2019.

 

OLD AND NEW: Photographs of Washington in its glory days hang on display between the future sites of Castle Island Brewery and Copper Canyon Wellness. (Matt Debnam/Daily News)