North Wilkesboro, NC — The Wilkes Commercial Business Center (WCBC) idea started during a planning session at Northwest Regional Leadership and Capacity Building Initiative in February 2020. Wilkes EDC submitted a Community Based Initiative Grant concept to Golden LEAF in November 2020, and was invited to move forward with application. The EDC was awarded $1.5 million for the WCBC project in April 2021. Next, in June 2021, Wilkes County Government awarded $1.5 million towards the project and later, an additional $400K due to construction cost increase. A bid process followed, and Omega Construction Inc was awarded the contract in November 2021. The Groundbreaking event took place on April 8, 2022, and the construction came to completion in April 2023.
The WCBC is 31,703 square feet, which consists of 10,383 SF for Suite A and 21,164 SF for Suite B. The building is intended for light industrial or manufacturing firms, featuring office spaces, loading docks, and drive-in doors with 24-foot ceiling heights. It has served as a excellent marketing tool for Wilkes County since the start of construction by being featured on Co-Star, LoopNet, Crexi, and the State’s Building and Sites commercial real estate platforms. These efforts have created inquiries and received thousands of views from various parts of the United States and overseas.
The grand opening of the WCBC commenced with a celebration on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the business center itself. Members of the Wilkes EDC Board, Golden LEAF Foundation, Wilkes County Government, Omega Construction and partners, ArcVision Studio, the Town of North Wilkesboro, the Town of Wilkesboro, and various other community members were present at the event. President of the Wilkes EDC, LeeAnn Nixon, opened the program, followed by words from partners and special guests. Nixon introduced Bob Gumber, President of JavaMaster, the new planned tenant of Suite A with a standing ovation upon his introduction. Gumber shared a little about himself, how JavaMaster started, and how they operate. He thanked present members of Lowes Foods corporation and shared his excitement about working closely with partners and plans for the future. After the program, guests enjoyed lunch, catered by The Liberty Catering Company, and toured the facility.
During the program, Wilkes County Commissioner Keith Elmore said, “This building was designed and constructed to promote economic development in our community. As we are gathered here, we do so with a sense of optimism and hope for the future. This is not just a building, but a symbol of a collective commitment to economic growth, job creation, and community development.”
Scott Hamilton, President of the Golden LEAF Foundation, shared a few words. “From the Golden LEAF board and the team of Golden LEAF, we want to say congratulations. We look forward to the opportunities that will be on both sides of this building to bring hope, opportunity, and dignity to the people of Wilkes County and the Northwestern region.”
Dale Isom, Chairman of the Wilkes EDC, said, “Everywhere we look, good things are happening. New businesses, new people, new jobs, and even some old things becoming new again today. We are here to celebrate a new building that will provide a home to two companies that will bring new jobs and better wages for our citizens.” He closed with, “While we celebrate the completion of this facility, we don’t view it as the end of something. We view it as the beginning of what’s next. As we see this space filled with new companies, our goal is to be working on the next project. This building is not a means to an end but rather a means to a beginning. Even today, as we meet to officially open the doors of this facility, we are working with Golden LEAF Foundation to look at the next potential project location here in Wilkes County.” Isom also gave special thanks to individuals, companies, and other community members at the event that helped with the construction of the WCBC.
LeeAnn Nixon said, “WCBC completion is a celebration of many working together to move Wilkes forward through partnerships. Having available space welcomes existing companies to grow or new companies to locate in Wilkes County that are ready to add above average wage jobs and investment, which creates opportunities for our citizens.” She continues “Throughout this project we have increased marketing for Wilkes and relocation/expansion conversations that would not have been possible without a planned available building. This activity confirms we will grow if we have available real estate that meets the market’s demand. Our vision is for this to only be the beginning of more development as one way we can collectively impact our economic future.”
Wilkes Commercial Business Center is located at 153 Business Center Dr., North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659, off Highway 268 E. Suite B of the WCBC is still available, with a space of 21,164 square feet. Contact Wilkes EDC today for inquiries on Suite B of the WCBC.
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