Gastonia will soon be seeing considerable changes to some of the more significant Downtown buildings. The Hassani buildings and adjacent key properties, contributing to the National Register District, are the first phase of a multi-phased redevelopment project that is planned by Dr. & Mrs. Charles Hutchins of CHH Properties, L.P. and Nathan Kirby, managing partner of Little Red Hen Development.
According to the Downtown National Register Historic District survey the Hassani property is a Moderne-style cast stone paneled structure with horizontal banding, and the interior has two exposed bowstring truss roofs supported by a center brick load-bearing wall. The corner building at Main and South, formerly the Children’s Shop, was the location of the 2003 Jazz on Main event, sponsored in part by Dr. and Mrs. Hutchins. Dr. and Mrs. Hutchins had the Lawyers’ Building and the Commercial Building placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Discussions between Hutchins and Kirby have resulted in a signed agreement that brings tenants and Phase 1 financing to the table. The partnership’s Phase 1, 2 and 3 plans include retail/restaurant, office and upper floor residential development. The partners are excited about the potential of the planned rehab of these historic structures.
Phase 1 will include demolition of the Pushpa Shop to expose the ornate western wall of the Lawyers’ Building and provide a courtyard, which will be shared by the adjacent bowstring building and the Lawyers’ Building. The planned Phase 2 will consist of the Commercial Building, and Phase 3 will involve development of the Lawyers’ Building and the adjacent vacant lot extending to the Gaston County Tax Office. The sequence may change as the tenant situation demands.
The Bottle Shoppe has signed a letter of intent and will specialize in fine wine and international beer will be located at 192 West Main Avenue, formerly the Children’s Shop.
For further information regarding this project or to discuss leasing options and availability contact Nathan Kirby at 704.898.6664.
Keep an eye on this exciting development as it unfolds.
Check out the Gazette article on-line at: http://www.gastongazette.com/news/kirby_14479___article.html/partnership_building.html
