Major Projects Shaping Salisbury’s Future
Five transformative projects represent large capital investment in the city's growth
Salisbury’s ongoing development initiatives reflect a unified vision of strategic investment, preservation, and revitalization. Through a mix of infrastructure improvements, adaptive reuse, and public–private partnerships, these projects strengthen the city’s economic foundation while honoring its historic character. Together, they enhance connectivity and accessibility, creating spaces that invite community engagement, attract investment, and support long-term growth. By blending modern infrastructure with heritage preservation, Salisbury is fostering a more walkable, vibrant, and resilient downtown. These coordinated efforts position the city for sustainable progress and a thriving future rooted in shared civic pride.
Salisbury Depot and Rail Upgrades
- Improve safety and access, increase Amtrak capacity on the Charlotte–Raleigh corridor, and catalyze adjacent redevelopment.
- City is purchasing the 1908 depot for $3.5M to restore and expand it as a passenger rail hub and community asset.
- The City will purchase the Depot using grant funding through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program.
- The project is supported by $11.7 million in federal and state grant funds, including $3.2 million for site improvements and $8.5 million for building renovations.
- The City is contributing a local match of $320,000, and an additional $1.7 million is being provided through the state’s Strategic Transportation Improvements Program (STIP).
- NCDOT’s Project P-5726 will add a second passenger platform and a pedestrian underpass; total state project budget ~$16M with Salisbury’s local share ~$780K (grant-covered).
130 S. Main Street Building
- The City received an $850,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to support the purchase of the former Wells Fargo building for redevelopment into an event and meeting space with additional City offices.
- The property was officially purchased in October 2022.
- In August 2024, City Council approved a $300,000 design contract to begin preparing renovation plans for the proposed event center.
- Construction estimates are currently being developed, with projected costs ranging between $7 million and $9 million.
- The City was also awarded a second $850,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to assist with renovation costs.
Empire Development Project
- Preserve historic fabric while driving downtown foot traffic, jobs, and tax base.
- Redevelopment is underway; the City advanced key approvals in Oct. 2024 and March 2025 to move the long-idle landmark toward mixed-use activation.
- First phase includes development of Empire Row Homes with 7 townhomes/apartments and one retail space.
- First phase investment is anticipated to be $4,000,000 with the City providing $200,000 towards infrastructure improvements.
- The next phases include the hotel which includes 3 retail spaces, 29 apartments, grand ballroom and 37 hotel rooms. It will also provide a restaurant and spa/meeting space. The overall investment for all three phases is anticipated to be in excess of $20,000,000.
- Groundbreaking was held Oct. 2024, signaling construction start and private investment committed to bring housing, retail, and hospitality back to South Main.
Plaza Building Redevelopment
- Council approved sale of The Plaza to the Wallace family in Aug. 2025 following a public process initiated by a 2022 RFP. Sale price approx. $2.2M.
- Developer plans indicate total investment around $11.5M, addressing deferred maintenance and repositioning upper floors while supporting active ground-floor uses.
- Main Street Streetscape
- Six-block revitalization to deliver new sidewalks, ADA-compliant crosswalks/parking, pedestrian lighting, street trees, seating, and upgraded utilities.
- Implemented as a locally administered project with Cabarrus-Rowan MPO and NCDOT coordination; enhances safety, accessibility, and placemaking to support downtown businesses.
- Design vision emphasizes a walkable, welcoming corridor that strengthens downtown identity and economic activity.