Message from the Mayor

April 28, 2021

I love Lenoir. I have lived here all my life, and there’s no place I’d rather be. As Mayor, it makes me proud to see all the great things that are happening in our city. New businesses are opening, new housing is on the way, and the City is improving services and amenities.

Despite the pandemic, several businesses opened during the past year including Telco Community Credit Union, Southern Roots Salon, The Flour Shoppe, Main Street Magic Café, Mandem Syndicate Barbershop, Hole Lotta Doughnuts, Moonjoy Meadery, MMI Textiles, and Mikan Printing.

Blue Ridge Energy completed a new corporate office and Caldwell UNC Health Care opened the Jonas Hill Hospital and Clinic. The 27-bed clinic is the first of its kind in the county.

Malouf and Craftmaster Furniture are expanding in Lenoir and others will be coming soon including BioNutra, CubeSmart, Dairi-O, and Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes, and Fries. 

Developers made big investments in new housing. Jesse Plaster and Angela Postigo are building new apartments in Downtown Lenoir. Steven and Jamie Stewart are converting 819 Harper Ave. into a mixed-used building. Blue Bell Lenoir is building 46 market-rate apartments in the old Blue Bell plant on College Avenue, and MC Morgan & Associates broke ground on a 68-unit, affordable-housing project. 

In addition to private investment, the City moved forward with many public projects. The City paved Mulberry Street, a major thoroughfare in town, and other strategic locations. Staff paved more greenway, and the City made improvements to the Lenoir High School Auditorium and T.H. Broyhill Walking Park.

City workers renovated the first floor of City Hall and installed energy-efficient lighting in several buildings. Staff added safety improvements to City facilities including desk/counter shields, hand sanitizing stations, and temperature monitors.

Staff also completed the City’s new branding and wayfinding plan. The brand logo incorporates arts, industry, and science, and the tagline is "Create With Us." The brand will be used on future wayfinding signs that will direct residents and visitors around town.

We’re still working hard and moving forward in Lenoir. We have a bright future and I invite you to be a part that future, and create with us.

Mayor Joe Gibbons
City of Lenoir