County to celebrate renovation of historic building July 31
The public is invited to celebrate the completion of Alexander County’s renovation of the historic building at 16 West Main Avenue during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Friday, July 31, at 1:00 p.m. Guests are invited to tour the renovated building and learn about the transformation of one of downtown Taylorsville’s long-vacant historic properties.
The renovated building features commercial space on the ground floor, now occupied by Kiley’s Sugar Shoppe, along with two residential units on the upper level.
The former Chamber of Commerce building had been vacant since around 2011. Years earlier, the facility had housed Merchants and Farmers Bank, scene of a fatal robbery attempt by four men on July 29, 1933. Cashier T.C. Barnes threw an inkpot at one of the robbers, who responded by shooting at Barnes. Bullets struck Barnes in the abdomen, lung, and shoulder. Assistant Cashier Solon Little was also shot in the abdomen. Barnes died the following day, but Little survived the attack. (An article on the 80th anniversary of the event was published in The Times on July 31, 2013, page 1A. Click here to read the article.)
Alexander County secured more than $1 million in state grant funding to restore the building and return it to productive use. The renovation was funded through a $650,000 Rural Transformation Grant and a $412,500 Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant, both awarded by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
The renovation preserves an important downtown building, creates two residential units originally envisioned to provide housing for local teachers, and supports the expansion of a successful local business.
The building’s commercial space is now home to Kiley’s Sugar Shoppe, which recently relocated its growing bakery to the renovated facility. The locally owned bakery opened its downtown storefront in late 2022 and quickly became a favorite destination for cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and specialty desserts. The new, larger space will allow the business to better serve customers, expand operations, and continue growing in downtown Taylorsville.
Alexander County Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Yoder said the project demonstrates the value of investing in county-owned facilities.
“We’re committed to maintaining and improving county-owned properties in ways that benefit our citizens,” Yoder said. “This project preserves an important part of our community’s history while creating opportunities for housing, business growth, and future investment.”
County Manager Justin Mundy said the project reflects what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and strategic investment.
“We’re proud to preserve an important downtown property while creating opportunities for business growth and additional housing,” Mundy said. “We’re grateful for the significant grant funding and the partnerships that made this project possible.”
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the public will have the opportunity to tour the renovated building and learn more about the restoration process, while enjoying a sweet treat.
Alexander County appreciates the many partners who made this project possible and looks forward to seeing the building serve the community for many years to come.
Kiley’s Sugar Shoppe expands to new downtown location
Kiley’s Sugar Shoppe is opening a new location at 16 West Main Avenue in downtown Taylorsville, marking the next chapter in the bakery’s continued growth. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Friday, July 31, at 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with Alexander County’s grand opening celebration for the renovated building.
The bakery is relocating to a newly renovated county-owned building that formerly housed the Alexander County Chamber of Commerce. The expanded space provides additional kitchen capacity, more room for customers, and opportunities to continue growing while remaining in downtown Taylorsville.
Kiley’s Sugar Shoppe opened its original downtown storefront in late 2022 and quickly became a favorite destination for cookies, cakes, cupcakes, specialty desserts, and custom orders. What began more than a decade ago in a small kitchen has grown into a thriving business with loyal customers throughout Alexander County and the surrounding region.
Bakery owner Kiley Walley said the move is the result of years of hard work and the continued support of the community.
“This move is something I’ve worked toward for many years,” Walley said. “I’m thankful to Alexander County for the opportunity and to all of our customers for their incredible support. Because of them, we’ve grown from a small kitchen into a larger space that will allow us to serve more people while remaining in downtown Taylorsville. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new home.”
Alexander County Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Yoder congratulated Walley on the expansion.
“We’re excited to see Kiley’s Sugar Shoppe continue to grow and succeed,” Yoder said. “Kiley has built a successful business through hard work, quality products, and outstanding customer service. We wish her continued success in this new location.”
County Manager Justin Mundy said the county is pleased to see one of its renovated properties provide an opportunity for a local business to expand.
“We’re proud to welcome Kiley’s Sugar Shoppe to this county-owned building,” Mundy said. “It’s rewarding to see this space supporting a successful local business.”
Learn more about Kylie’s Sugar Shoppe at https://kileys-sugar-shoppe.square.site, or call 828-352-9033. Check out their Facebook (www.facebook.com/kileyssugarshoppe) and Instagram (www.
instagram.com/kileyssugarshoppe) pages.
