Former Albemarle Police Department

The City of Albemarle is seeking development proposals for the opportunity to purchase and redevelop this City-owned property!

Built in 1936, the two-floor, 7800 square foot building originally served as a WPA-era post office until it was purchased by the City of Albemarle in 1968. The site served as the Albemarle Police Department Headquarters until 2020. Located at 203 N. 2nd St., Albemarle, NC 28001, the property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is zoned CBD (Central Business District) which permits a variety of commercial, residential, office, and institutional land uses. Because of this historic distinction, qualified renovations are eligible for federal, state, and local historic tax credits up to 40%. The development project may also be qualified for local incentives and grants which are outlined in the RFP.

The City conducted an appraisal of the property in 2021 which indicated the price at the time to be $345,000. The 2023 assessed tax value of the building is over $450,000. Albemarle City Council’s development goals for the property are intentionally broad to attract the most interest and response. The goals entail:

• New retail or office opportunities that address identified market leakage downtown with a plan to fill gaps and/or develop a mixed use of retail, commercial and/or housing.
• New downtown housing opportunities utilizing historic preservation programs including federal historic tax credit funded rehabilitations and any State of North Carolina credits.
• Revitalization of the site for mixed-use that promotes additional downtown pedestrian traffic and additional downtown business customers.

Additional Information:

Downtown Albemarle is home to professional services, retail, restaurants, nonprofits, historic churches, educational institutions, and state and local government. The City has been a part of the North Carolina Main Street program for the past 30 years, and during this time, has seen $142,000,000 in investment with over $100,000,000 being private investment. More than 300 jobs have been added in the downtown, 81 buildings have been rehabilitated, 45 net new businesses have opened, and 153 housing units have been brought to market. This historic property at 203 N. Second Street is located within the Social District where patrons can enjoy a cocktail while strolling in downtown. It is adjacent to the newly opened 29-unit “The Residences” (formerly the Albemarle Hotel) and local restaurant Second Street Sundries.

The City of Albemarle (population 16,500) is the county seat of Stanly County (population 64,000) and is located approximately 45 minutes east of Charlotte via NC 24/27. Situated at the base of the Uwharrie Mountains and surrounded by Badin Lake and Lake Tillery, the area is rich in history, charm, and recreation.  A nature enthusiast’s dream, just about any outdoor activity can be enjoyed just minutes away from historic downtown. The Uwharrie National Forest and Morrow Mountain State Park showcase this pristine part of the Tarheel State with plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, biking, and bird watching.

Click here to read more about the redevelopment opportunity of this beautiful historic property.