Individual questions from the video interview with Dr. Ribeiro
Melody Adams, director of the Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Programs, NC Rural Economic Development Center
Q. What was it about Hookerton that grabbed the NC Rural Center's interest?
A. The Town of Hookerton was awarded a Building Reuse grant in fall of 2004. The concept of converting a former ABC liquor store into a doctor's office was a good example of building reuse that fit well within the community's needs. Projects that make sense for small, rural communities are the most important projects in the building reuse program. It would be very difficult for Hookerton to attract a large manufacturing firm, so being able to work with smaller employers is a big part of the Building Reuse Program. The Hookerton project is one of the program's best reuse examples.
Q. What role does building reuse, like that in Hookerton, play in the NC Rural Center's mission?
A. The Rural Center's mission is to develop sound economic strategies that improve the quality of life in rural North Carolina. A big part of that is supporting communities as they craft locally grown economic development strategies, and that's what the Building Reuse and Restoration Program does. It helps them turn vacant buildings that are potential weaknesses into strengths. The program isn't focused only on the big announcements, but celebrates the smaller successes that are more likely in small communities. The program has awarded grants to 117 projects across North Carolina that have created approximately 3,700 jobs.
Q. What can other small towns do to initiate town revitalizations like that in Hookerton?
A. A comprehensive planning process that includes the participation of a broad spectrum of individuals and community groups is a good first step in the revitalization process. When many stakeholders engage in the process, the plan can incorporate a wide range of ideas, and community buy-in becomes more likely. Market and feasibility studies are good instruments that communities can use to refine the plan.
Q. How can towns balance preserving a their heritage while reinventing itself for the future?
A. The best way is to develop a revitalization plan that embraces the cultural and historic strengths of the community. A good planning process can help keep communities on track when dealing with the question of development versus preservation. By branding them themselves as "historic" or "cultural" centers, communities are able to market their appeal to those seeking that type of attraction.
Watch the NC Now Feature
An interview with Dr. Ribeiro