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The City of Albemarle will have the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Courthouse Plaza, downtown Albemarle’s newest public gathering space. The event will be at 11 a.m. June 22 at Courthouse Plaza, the former alleyway stretching from West Main Street to King Avenue, near the old Davis Drug building.
Courthouse Plaza will be home to live music, festivals and special events.
To celebrate the grand opening, attendees can enjoy an art walk and free live music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Courthouse Plaza will add even more vibrancy to our downtown. This project follows several other positive downtown developments such as Pfeiffer University’s Center for Health Sciences, the renovation of the Historic Albemarle Hotel, and new businesses and restaurants,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said. “Courthouse Plaza also aligns with the City’s strategic plan, which includes downtown revitalization and beautification, something residents told us they wanted to see. We’re excited for Courthouse Plaza to come to life and to share this moment with everyone.”
The Courthouse Plaza project, named following feedback from members of the public, is part of a broader downtown streetscape master plan. This plan has already resulted in several upgrades to the downtown area, including new navigational signage, banners on light poles, outdoor furnishings and other beautifications. Courthouse Plaza features lighting, seating and the potential for public art and other possible amenities. The project was made possible through funding from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), ElectriCities of North Carolina and Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC).
The alleyway holds historical significance as part of a road that once surrounded the original courthouse located at the intersection of the square. Remarkably, a portion of the original hitching post for horses still exists in the alley today.