DAI notes offer look at events and downtown development

From notes provided by Downtown Asheboro Inc. following a monthly meeting of downtown merchants.

More apartments coming downtown?

John Evans, City of Asheboro Community Development Director, shared that the former Acme McCrary manufacturing facility on North Street has applied for a rezoning to allow the historic building to be converted into up to 151 apartments. 

The Planning Board considered the request during its meeting on Oct. 6, recommending approval, and this is expected to be on the City Council’s agenda on Nov. 6. 

Additional parking would be provided on the property adjacent to the Asheboro Recreation Center and Charlie Browne’s office at 151 N. Fayetteville St. The applicant is negotiating the potential for additional parking with Norfolk Southern on the alleyway that runs behind the railroad track behind City Hall. 

Upcoming events

 ■ Downtown Ghostwalk + Ghostride is wrapping up its annual October spooky walks and rides downtown. The final Ghostwalks occur on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The only Ghostrides occur next week, on Oct. 28 and 30, at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each night.

In case you’re wondering or have seen it, part of the tales from the past include a shooting in front of Magnolia 23 that is acted out with a gun that fires loud blanks, so don’t be alarmed if witnessing a person falling to the ground as it happens. It has been called into Asheboro Police before.

■ Oct. 23 — Leo’s Bike Night (street closure). 

■ Oct. 24 — Love Locals Night. 

■ Oct. 25 — Trick or Treat Downtown (street closure ~7 a.m.).

■ Sunday, Oct. 26 — Leo’s Brunch will take place (street closure). 

■ Nov. 1 — Lazos Hispanos Festival in Bicentennial Park. 

■ Nov. 2 at 4 p.m.— Latin X is sponsoring a Day of Dead Parade (street closure).

Merchant updates

■ RANDOLPH PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN — Children’s Artwork is being featured in businesses downtown along Sunset Avenue, Church Street and Fayetteville Street. Artwork is also being displayed in local libraries, closest to the children who created it. On another note, the organization gives away about 6,000 books per year. 

■ SMALL BUSINESS CENTER AT RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE — RCC has a new location downtown to provide support to local businesses that should be ready for operations in the next week or two. Quinton Louris also gave an update on the mobile unit discussed at the August meeting. It has been involved in various efforts such as “Steam Day” in Trinity and  NASCAR Day in Randleman. With assistance and input from County Commissioner Hope Haywood, Chamber President Adam Deathe and United Way Executive Director Samantha Baker, support is also being provided to non-profits, with four webinars that educate people on issues such as starting a non-profit and how to select a Board of Directors. — Also discussed was the Boys & Girls Club structure, stating that there was a strategy to consolidate the organization to help provide additional resources to each local organization. A fundraiser is being held on Monday, Oct. 27, at AVS, and attendees are asked to donate $125 per person. 

■ LITTLE MUSTARD SEED — Nov. 4 is the Holly Jolly Girls Night out celebration, with support from Re/Max Central Realty. Taste and See Coffee will also be involved. Permanent jewelry making is included, and veterans and senior discounts are available. — Pink Friday, an event to promote local businesses before Black Friday, is on Friday, Nov. 21. Several downtown boutiques are registered.

■ UPSTYLED GOODS — The business is being rebranded from “Retextiled” to “Lolo & Co.” — Lori Trotter announced the marriage between her and Cindy’s children. 

■ LUXE LASH STUDIO — Permanent makeup training is taking place beginning in 2026. 

■ UWHARRIE INVESTMENT ADVISORS — This business, based in Albemarle, NC, with a location next to the Asheboro library, has been in business for 25 years. Services include small businesses that need loans, real estate/mortgage, investment and money management. The business has community involvement, including the Randolph Rotary Club, and an event called “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” in which volunteers build beds for youth in need of beds who may be sleeping on the floor. This is a national program (training is in Utah) that is coordinated locally with Pastor David Millikan, Pastor of Friends Church, and takes places at Lowe’s Hardware. Then the beds are delivered to the homes.