Yancey County has been selected to receive grant funding from the NC Department of Commerce as part of the Rural Downtown Economic Development (RDED) Grants Program, in the amount of $650,000. This grant will go to support renovations of the historic Citizens Bank Building on the Town Square, located next to the Yancey County Tag Office.
This historic building served as the Citizens Bank until 1972, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The Yancey County Library also made a home in this space until 2011, and serving as the Technology Center for many years beginning in 2014. Yancey County has held a vision to renovate and preserve the historical integrity of this building, and make a great public space. Yancey County, and the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) have been in communication and collaboration on the use of the space. Executive Director, Nealy Andrews is excited to make this building their future home. This project’s top priority is engaging more locals and tourists alike to enhance the downtown vitality.
“We are excited to preserve this old building and its history, all while supporting local job creation. It will be good to see this building serving the public once again,” stated Commissioner Mark Ledford.
The Yancey County Commissioners are pleased that the county has been awarded these funds from the NC Department of Commerce, RDED Program Division, and looking forward to the renovation process beginning.
