North Carolina Construction News staff writer
After years of planning, a groundbreaking ceremony was held last week for the Granstone Conference Center in downtown Mount Airy. The ceremony, held at the site of the former Spencer’s textile mill, marks the beginning of construction for the 18,773-sq. ft. facility, which is poised to redefine the city’s role as a regional destination for business, weddings, and special events.
The Granstone project, expected to be completed in fall 2026, is a key component of the city’s economic development strategy, utilizing the historic industrial grounds to embrace a vibrant new future. It honors the city’s manufacturing past while providing a modern, state-of-the-art venue designed to attract significant event traffic and tourism dollars.
City Manager Darren Lewis emphasized the project’s transformative potential, noting that the center is designed not just as a standalone venue, but as a central part of a revitalized downtown core.
The new conference center is being built adjacent to the Balladeer Hotel, a Marriott Tribute property. This strategic pairing will allow the Granstone to offer guests and conference attendees the convenience of luxury accommodations right next door, making it a compelling package for event planners.
The facility will accommodate a wide range of functions, from large corporate conferences and trade shows to smaller meetings and elegant private celebrations. The project’s timeline, which suggests an approximately 12 to 13-month construction period following the initial foundation work, keeps the grand opening on track for Fall 2026.