Staff
Jan 30, 20181 min
Updated: Feb 7, 2022
The 200 Block of South Street and 217 Brew Works redevelopment project was realized when developers Tom Curran and Barbie Conklin decided to put their efforts and financial commitment into Historic Downtown Wilson. This area of downtown was abandoned five years ago.
The project serves as a backdrop to the $10 million Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. The 200 block of South Street, built in 1934 and historically used as livery stables, will incorporate three community-based businesses that will serve the visitors to the new park. The first business is 217 Brew Works, also owned by Mr. Curran, that opened in November 2016. 211 South Street will be renovated as a brick oven pizza restaurant that is expected to open in May 2018 and will augment the Brew Works beverages. The third space is ready for final finishes and will be used for either expansion or a new business. The vacant lot adjacent to the brewery has been turned into a beer garden.
The $2.1 million investment received $52,000 in grants from the City of Wilson and the Wilson Downtown Development Corporation. The 5,000 square foot Brew Works increased in tax value more than 4X and has a payroll of nine employees. Since the restaurant is not operational yet, there has been an average of four food trucks present per month that average $600 per night in retail sales activity. The entire redevelopment area serves to welcome visitors and locals to Historic Downtown Wilson.