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More than $17 million was invested into helping downtown Albemarle and its many businesses during the fiscal 2021-22 year, one of the key highlights from an annual report Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation director Joy Almond presented to a group of stakeholders Thursday night at Tiffany’s at the Boardroom.

During the fiscal year, nine new downtown businesses opened while four closed, Almond said. An additional five businesses expanded.

The new businesses were Danu Realty, Tomahawk Throwing Range, Local Boujee, 704 Photography, Eddie Wall Insurance/State Farm, Mindful Yoga Pilates and Art, Whiskey Eunoia, Starnes Bramlett Jewelers and Badin Brews.

Ten new jobs were added to the local workforce as a result of the new businesses, along with 22 part-time positions.

The ADDC awarded close to $10,000 in matching grants to help eight downtown businesses make facade, signage and architectural improvements. There were three facade improvements, three building rehabilitations and four public improvement projects last year, including installing new directional signs as part of the city’s wayfinding program.

“We’re just excited to see all of this activity in downtown,” Almond said.

Looking ahead, there are three ghost mural projects being planned by the ADDC design committee for 2022-23. The proposed projects will be located at the Nehi mural on the side of Roger Martin Gallery, the former Davis Motor Company and the Chero Cola mural on a building at Depot Street.

Several new businesses are set to open soon. Uwharrie Brewing, located behind City Hall, will likely open sometime in mid-October, said owner Colton Baker.

The Residences at the Albemarle Hotel will likely open to residents sometime in November or December, according to developer Jordan Jones, who’s Durham-based company Anchor & Pillar has been working to convert the property into apartment units. Pre-leasing should begin sometime this month.

There will be 29 apartment units total, he said, including 23 one-bedroom units, five two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit.

The complex will also include a restaurant called Christine’s Wood Fire.

In terms of construction projects, 704 Photography is renovating the property on North 2nd Street next to City Hall, Albemarle Sweet Shop is getting ready to move from its King Avenue location to a new building at 310 S. Second St. and David Morgan is working on a rehabilitation project for Five Points Cleaners.

Below is a list of all the key downtown events and activities in the coming months.

• Tour de Elvis/Food Truck Friday on Sept. 9-10;
• Falcons Street Fest on Sept. 30;
• Cycle NC on Oct. 5;
• Autumn Extravaganza on Oct. 27-29;
• Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26;
• An Albemarle Downtown Christmas on Dec. 2;
• Albemarle Christmas Parade on Dec. 10;
• Holiday Tour of Homes on Dec. 11;
• Stanly County Winter Wine Festival on Feb. 25, 2023;
• Outdoorsman’s Bonanza on March 25, 2023; and
• Stanly County Farmers Market from May-October of 2023.