ALBEMARLE — Stanly County residents are invited to a history lesson this weekend about one of the most renowned buildings in the county.
Presented by the Stanly County Historical Society, “The Story of the Albemarle Hotel: Renaissance in Albemarle” will be told by historian Lewis Bramlett and developer Jordan Jones at the Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Center at 172 N. 2nd Street.
The event is set for this Saturday, June 9, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Register for the event at historicstanly.org.
“This event is free and open to the public. Reception to follow at the hotel building featuring a sampling of food from Christine’s Wood Fire Grill,” the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation said in an advertisement.
Built in 1923 after a local crowdfunding campaign, the Albemarle Hotel was a symbol of commerce and economic development in the community for decades. With 60 rooms, the first floor featured a ballroom, a dining room and a lobby that became a popular social gathering place in the community during the hotel’s prime years.
After sitting empty and unused for two decades, renovations on the largest privately owned building in downtown Albemarle began in June 2021.
The former hotel has now been converted into an apartment complex — The Residences at the Albemarle Hotel — that features 29 rentals offered by Durham-based company Anchor & Pillar, ranging from 500 square-foot one-bedroom apartments to 1,600 square-foot three-bedroom apartments.
“A remarkable transformation at the former Albemarle Hotel. The fully renovated historic building is welcoming new residents,” the City of Albemarle posted in a media release shortly after the opening of the new luxury apartment complex. “City council members recently took a tour to see the new apartments and the impressive views they offer. The City of Albemarle has supported bringing new life to this historic building by connecting the building’s previous owner to the current developer. The city also declared the building a local historic landmark which will lead to future tax benefits.”
Learn more about the apartment complex at liveatthealbemarlehotel.com.
“The city’s support for the hotel project falls in line with the City of Albemarle’s Strategic Plan goal of Community & Economic Growth Opportunities,” the city said in a statement. “Additional residents downtown supports existing businesses and creates opportunities for new restaurants, shops, and entertainment amenities that residents and downtown visitors can all enjoy.”