Before Revitalization (1980's)
In the early 1980’s, to develop a new market primarily of recreation, tourism and retirement oriented housing, Swiss Bear focused on projects that would attract and be accessible to boat traffic and insure its compatibility with development throughout the central business district. Major projects included: coordination of a feasibility study recommending development of a waterfront hotel, marina and meeting rooms on the urban renewal site; pursuit and acquisition of a $1.9M Urban Development Action Grant from the federal government to assist the City with the financing of a new $13M Sheraton Hotel & Marina; and collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Extension Service acquiring $185,000 in grant monies from the Department of Agriculture to construct a Farmer’s Market on the waterfront.
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After Revitalization (Today)
Riverfront development remains a focal point for economic growth. Since 1983, over $100 million has been invested in four new waterfront hotels, three marinas, new commercial office buildings, a $13 million riverfront convention center, a 121-residential condominium complex and the $60 million NC History Education Center scheduled to open in the summer of 2010. |
Current Projects