Record #:

4153

Author(s):

Hajian, Eleanore J.

Abstract:

Selma's business district had some stores, but many buildings stood unoccupied and rundown. Efforts to recruit service businesses were unsuccessful. Making aesthetic improvements and offering free rent failed to bring other tenants. Finally in 1997, a theme approach - antiques - was tried. Sixteen dilapidated buildings were offered rent free for a year. They were quickly occupied by antique dealers, who, surprisingly, bought and fixed them up. Selma has had twenty-two grand openings since January, 1998, and the dying district has comer alive.

Source:

Southern City (NoCar Oversize JS 39 S6), Vol. 49 Issue 4, Apr 1999, p1, 10-11, il

Subject(s):

Central business districts--Selma; Selma--Economic conditions

Record #:

4460

Author(s):

Westbrook, Kathy Grant

Abstract:

Selma in Johnston County once had a thriving retail center, but its downtown businesses were lured away by strip malls on highways and interstates. Attempts at revitalizing failed because no one wanted to be in downtown Selma. Then in 1997, town manager Bruce Radford found the key to filling the old buildings - antiques. Today Selma is a popular antiques destination, and the dying downtown has come back to life.

Source:

Our State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 67 Issue 9, Feb 2000, p17-20, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Central business districts--Selma; Selma--Economic conditions