Residents Share Bold Vision for Downtown Rocky Mount

What would make you spend more time downtown? For 125 local residents, the answers came quickly: more restaurants, more family-friendly spaces, and—above all—feeling safe.

That’s the takeaway from a recent community survey that asked people what they love, what keeps them away, and what could transform downtown into a thriving hub.

The number one concern, cited by 57% of respondents, was safety. Comments like “I can’t feel welcomed until I can feel safe” underscore how central security is to revitalization. But many participants said they believe the answer lies not just in policing, but in bringing more life and light to downtown streets.

A Taste of What’s Wanted

If Rocky Mount is hungry for anything, it’s food. Nearly 70% of respondents put restaurants and cafés at the top of their wish list. Many asked specifically for Greek, Italian, and seafood options, along with more coffee shops and brunch spots.

But food was just the beginning. Families called for water parks, trampoline parks, and children’s museums. Others want live music venues, festivals, and art walks—with one suggestion standing out: a jazz bar with live music downtown.

Shopping also made the list, with half of respondents saying they’d love walkable boutiques and retail to fill the empty storefronts.

Some of the most creative responses went beyond food and shopping. One resident wrote: “We’ve never thought of Rocky Mount from above. The buildings offer endless potential for rooftop experiences. What if there was rooftop gardening, solar panels, and mixed-use projects? Rooftop venues with views of the region.”

Another pointed out that moving around downtown isn’t always easy: “I love a few places but I currently have to drive between them.” The idea of a trolley to connect businesses and attractions quickly gained traction in the responses.

Barriers = Opportunities

When asked what keeps them away from downtown, residents pointed to:

• Not enough businesses or entertainment (72%)

• Safety concerns (57%)

• Limited things to do (52%)

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Yet many saw these barriers as solvable. Empty storefronts could become restaurants or shops. Limited hours could be answered by businesses staying open later. And safety, several noted, improves naturally with more activity and foot traffic.

Grants Fuel the Vision

For entrepreneurs, developers, and building owners, Rocky Mount already has grant programs in place to support revitalization:

• Building Assistance Grants: Up to $40,000 for rehab projects.

• Major Investment Incentives: Up to 20% of project costs, capped at $500,000, for transformative mixed-use developments.

• Roof & Façade Grants: Support for exterior improvements to historic buildings.

• Restaurant Entrepreneurship Grants: Help with kitchen and equipment costs for new dining establishments.

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New Financing Tool on the Horizon

In addition to these city incentives, a new program could soon provide another major boost. C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure) financing would allow qualifying property owners to access long-term private funding of up to 35% of a property’s value for improvements such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and building rehabilitation.

The program must be approved at the county level. A virtual town hall is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9 at 10:00 AM, led by the Economic Development Partnership of NC, to explore its benefits. If adopted, C-PACE could be a game-changer for downtown building owners and developers.

With the Imperial Centre, Rocky Mount Mills, and historic architecture already in place, residents believe downtown has the bones to succeed. What’s missing is momentum.

The survey results may be just that: a blueprint drawn by the people who will ultimately fill the streets, eat at the restaurants, and gather at the venues.

As one respondent put it: “Fix the empty buildings—like the Mill was resurrected.”