By Jon Show — For decades, one question has shaped conversations about downtown Cornelius: How do you attract the businesses needed to create a walkable destination?

While nightlife options remain limited, a recent wave of business openings suggests downtown may be gaining momentum toward the long-standing goal of becoming a vibrant mixed-use district.

New storefronts including Pure Olive, Starlight Bakery, Old Town Vinyl and Jaleedy’s Dairy Bar have opened recently along Catawba Avenue. Dutchman’s Casual Living also relocated to Oak Street Mill, adding another established business to the downtown area.

The business mix has expanded beyond retail. Core Café Pilates and Bodybar Pilates have opened fitness studios, while Pearson’s House of Rock, Learn Music NC, Another9 Golf and HeartHaven Education have added arts, recreation and educational offerings.

The Cain Center for the Arts — widely viewed as a catalyst for downtown investment — recently expanded its presence along Catawba Avenue with the addition of The Puckett Pottery House and new offices in the Goodrum House.

In the last year or two, the downtown corridor has also welcomed acclaimed seafood restaurant Seaboy, while Barrel and Fork on North Main Street has undergone new ownership, menu changes and exterior renovations. The Corner Crust pizza shop also joined the mix.

Willow Wood Coffee, The Coffee Shop and Peach Cobbler Factory have added to the growing coffee and dessert scene.

Looking ahead, the Cornelius History Museum plans to open next year on School Street, preserving the town’s history as downtown continues to evolve around it.

Despite the recent momentum, nightlife options remain a challenge, as Barley Market remains the only true bar or brewery downtown. Plans for Fruitful Roots Brewery were abandoned, and no public progress has been reported on the planned Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.

Still, the recent activity is encouraging for Case Warnemunde, who closed his OTPH bottle shop earlier this year to focus on promoting downtown businesses through the nonprofit Old Town Cornelius Inc.

Warnemunde has gotten to know many of the new business owners through his Old Town Business Collective, a group of downtown merchants that meets monthly to strengthen collaboration.

“What excites us most isn’t just that new businesses are opening, it’s the type of business owners we’re attracting,” Warnemunde said.

Downtown Master Plan

The Town Board’s recent approval of the Downtown Master Plan is expected to encourage additional investment and economic development. The plan is designed to guide downtown growth over the next 25 years.

The town is also searching for a new economic development specialist whose responsibilities will include recruiting new businesses and supporting existing ones in the downtown corridor.

Bill Russell, executive director of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, said adding such a role will help to further evolve the downtown experience.

“The town should have someone on staff who is helping guide what kind of business vitality takes place,” he said. “I think that’s important.”

Busy September Ahead

Downtown businesses hope to capitalize on the momentum Sept. 12, which is shaping up to be one of the busiest event days in downtown Cornelius history.

The day begins with Cornelius Parks and Recreation staging its annual Festival of Cultures at Cain Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

That evening, the Cain Center will host its twice-monthly live music Block Party in the new outdoor courtyard adjacent to Puckett’s Pottery House. Old Town Vinyl will also present its monthly Between Two Stacks live music performance.

Pearson House of Rock will add to the mix with its grand opening celebration, including live music on the front porch and other festivities.

Weaving together all those events will be the launch of Second Saturdays, a daylong effort designed to bring businesses and visitors together through a walkable downtown experience featuring live music, artists, pop-up vendors, family activities and restaurant specials along Catawba Avenue from Smithville Park to Antiquity.

Warnemunde has spent months working with downtown business owners to launch Second Saturdays as part of a broader effort to increase foot traffic on a regular basis.

“These new business owners share a vision for what downtown Cornelius can become and want to contribute to something bigger,” Warnemunde said. “It’s great to see businesses becoming part of that.”