Morganton approves funding for The Union restaurant, final contract for Bethel Park upgrades

Morganton leaders are moving forward on two fronts aimed at strengthening the city’s restaurant scene and public spaces, approving funding for the development of a downtown restaurant while advancing finishing touches at Bethel Park.

Monday evening, city council approved a combined $150,000 in support of The Union, an American grill planned for West Union Street and awarded a construction contract for new restrooms at Bethel Park.

FUNDING FOR THE UNION

Cranford Hospitality, a family-owned restaurant group with six concepts across the Hickory metro area, plans to open The Union at 112 W. Union St. in the former Bella Vino space.

The company is investing about $500,000 into the project, which could open as early as November 2026, according to Cranford Hospitality’s loan application. The group purchased the property from the city in late 2025 under a development agreement requiring the project’s completion by March 2027.

To support the project, city council approved $75,000 through Morganton’s Main Street Restaurant Loan Program and another $75,000 through the city’s Community Development Block Grant entitlement funds program.

The Main Street loan will help replace kitchen equipment and the CDBG funds will be used for additional kitchen upgrades, dining and seating improvements, outdoor patio enhancements, and restroom renovations.

Finance Director Jessie Parris said the Main Street loan is designed to recruit and support downtown restaurants, operating as a loan that can partially convert to a grant if certain requirements are met.

Cranford Hospitality is expected to create at least 10 full-time jobs, with wages ranging from $16 to $18 per hour, exceeding the CDBG program’s minimum job creation requirements.

BETHEL PARK RESTROOMS

Council also took another step toward completing renovations at Bethel Park, which recently reopened after a two-year closure that included delays from Hurricane Helene.

Council approved a $441,515 contract with Morganton’s Ridgeline Building Corporation to construct a 736-square-foot ADA-accessible restroom and an additional 35 parking spaces. Staff received nine bids for the project, which were opened on April 14.

The Morganton Recreation Foundation will provide $340,261 toward the project, which is helping the city match its Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant. Council also approved a 5% contingency of $22,076.

Parks and Recreation Director Bryan Fish said the restrooms mark the final major component of the park’s renovation.

The restrooms will be built to the left of the main entrance’s bridge and will be similar to the restrooms at Shuey Park. Additional finishing touches, including dog park fencing and shade structures, are also underway.

The park will remain open during construction, with existing restrooms available until the new ones are complete.

OTHER COUNCIL ACTIONS:

• Moved an amendment to the code of ordinances, outlining rules for electric bicycles and standup scooters, to a later meeting.
• Set a public hearing for June 1 on a request from Wayne and Corinne Abele to annex two properties on Enola Road, adjacent to Fiddler’s Run.
• Awarded a $159,790 contract to Kemp Construction Inc. to replace polymer pump skids and a tank at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Approved a $129,450 contract with STAT Inc. to remove and dispose of up to 120,000 gallons of solids from two digester tanks at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, along with a contingency cost of $1.08 per gallon for any additional material.
• Approved a $44,400 budget amendment to accept reimbursements for special events and cover additional purchases supporting events at the Morganton Community House.