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2017 Best Public-Private Partnership
Goldsboro, NC
Carolina Power and Light built 300 South Center Street in 1979, but when the company was purchased in the late 1990's, the building was abandoned and it sat vacant for more than 10 years. Even though it was actively marketed for six of those years, it drew little interest due to its condition, 11,000 square foot size, and custom designed layout.
In 2016, the Goldsboro Downtown Development Corporation was able to secure the purchase of the building by two dentists from Alexandria, Virginia, Dr. Tim Imafidon and Dr. Erin Smith. The two opened Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, the first pediatric dentistry in Wayne County and the only dentist office in downtown Goldsboro. They originally planned to open the practice in two phases, however, the City of Goldsboro and the Downtown Corporation were eager to help them secure the additional funds to employ eighteen new full-time positions and begin their practice. The Downtown Corporation secured a North Carolina Department of Commerce Building Reuse grant for $188,000 and the City of Goldsboro invested an additional $10,000.
The healthcare architectural firm Erskine-Smith of Greensboro designed the medical space including a reception area, restrooms, exam rooms, private offices, x-ray rooms, operation rooms and a staff lounge/conference area. The total investment for the project was $1.4 million.
This investment alone contributes more than $10,000 in tax revenue to the city and more than $3,700 to the Municipal Service District. The project spurred private investment, created and retained jobs, and filled a void in a vacant property in downtown Goldsboro.
