A New Era for a Historic Downtown Landmark
The Town of Clayton, together with local developers Carrie and Kevin Lee and entrepreneurs Erin Nenni and Christi Thompson, is celebrating the near completion of the revitalization of the Town’s historic Old Town Hall, now known as The Station.
The transformation marks a vibrant new chapter for Downtown Clayton, blending the Town’s rich history with its forward momentum. This model public–private partnership has breathed new life into one of the community’s most recognizable landmarks and reflects the shared vision of Town leaders and local investors who believed in its potential.
“The Station stands as proof that strategic investment and collaboration between public and private partners can create something truly lasting,” said Carrie Lee. “I believe that this project honors our history, inspires community pride, and strengthens Clayton’s downtown core.”
Built in 1925, the structure once housed Clayton’s administrative offices, police and fire departments, library, and courtroom. After years of vacancy, the building is now poised to reopen as a lively mix of marketplace, restaurant, and office spaces, preserving the integrity of the original architecture while creating a space that supports small business growth and community connection.
“After a decade of standing vacant, this historic building is set to embody the spirit of renewal that’s sweeping across our downtown,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “Through the visionary efforts of community members who reimagined this space, we’re not just preserving a piece of our Town’s heritage, we’re infusing it with new vitality.”
The Station, located at 231 E. Second St., was made possible through a formal Economic Development Agreement between the Town of Clayton and Secondary Investment, LLC, led by developers Carrie and Kevin Lee. The Town supported the project through a combination of property sale and financial incentives, including a Historic Structure Rehabilitation Reimbursement Grant and a multi-year Property Tax Reimbursement Grant. In return, the development team committed to a minimum investment of $1.75 million, ensuring the full revitalization of the building in compliance with national guidelines for the rehabilitation of historic properties. The project also received strong guidance and support from the Clayton Town Council, which approved the agreement unanimously on March 4, 2024. The partnership is already delivering results by creating jobs, expanding the local tax base, and transforming a vacant building into a centerpiece of downtown revitalization.
“We’ve poured our hearts into making The Station a place where people can gather, shop, and share stories,” said Thompson, master lease holder and business operator. “It’s an honor to help write the next chapter in Downtown Clayton’s history.”
“Projects like this succeed because people work together,” added Councilmember Porter Casey. “The Station honors our past while creating something special for future generations. It’s the kind of thoughtful growth that defines Clayton’s character.”
“This is a great example of how the public and private sectors can partner to create jobs, grow the local tax base, and create engaging spaces for residents and visitors alike,” said Economic Development Director Joseph Stallings.
The Station will feature a mix of tenants designed to support local entrepreneurship and community life:
- Basement (Former Fire Station): A 2,200 sq. ft. food and beverage concept preserving original architectural features.
- Main Floor: A bustling marketplace with various vendors such as a deli, bakery, butcher, seafood vendor, florist, and bottle shop serving as a central hub for community activity.
- Top Floor: More than 1,000 sq. ft. of office and retail space for local businesses.
The business operators, Nenni and Thompson, owners of The Market at Three Little Birds and LaDiDa Wine Shop, bring deep local experience and a passion for supporting small business and sustainable goods. Together with the Lees, they are transforming The Station into a destination that celebrates local culture, craftsmanship, and community connection.
“Our goal from day one was simple. We wanted to bring Old Town Hall back to life in a way that reflects Clayton’s character,” said Kevin Lee, co-developer. “We’re grateful for the Town’s partnership and excited for residents to experience this space.”
“This is a win for Clayton,” said Councilmember Andria Archer, who has been a consistent champion of the project. “The Town and developers both showed courage and persistence. The Town went out on a limb to make this possible, and the Lees took a leap of faith in their community. This project is a true example of collaboration and shared commitment.”
“Clayton has always had a special sense of community,” said Nenni, master lease holder and business operator. “Our hope is that The Station becomes a reflection of that. We want it to be a place where neighbors can connect, small businesses can thrive, and everyone feels a little more at home.”
As the Station prepares to open later this year, the Town of Clayton invites residents to help celebrate this milestone by sharing old photos of the building from when it was still in use. Any images provided will be added to an online gallery and could potentially end up as decor inside the building. To participate, email images to info@townofclaytonnc.org or visit Clayton Town Hall, located at 111 E. Second St., to have them scanned.
PHOTO: Standing in front of The Station on the front row (from left) are Town Manager Rich Cappola, Mayor Jody McLeod, and Council Members Porter Casey, Andria Archer, Ruth Anderson, and Gretchen Williams. On the back row (from left) are Carrie Lee, Kevin Lee, Erin Nenni, Christi Thompson, and Mayor Pro Tem Michael Sims.
