Editorial: Opinion Writing

From Daily Crimes to a Remarkable Revitalization

Q News

By Cassandra Mischak

When somebody mentions the city of High Point, NC to you, what is the first thought that comes to your mind?

Some would answer that question by saying it is known for being home to the country club college: High Point University. Others may even classify the city as the furniture capital of the world. 

On the other hand, quite a few people will consider High Point one of the worst places in the state to visit or live.

This is due to several unappealing reasons. For instance, according to crimegrade.org, a crime occurs every one hour and 35 minutes, on average, in High Point.

However, The High Point city council established a strategic goal to change the public's perception of this so-called depressing city, a few years back. 

The High Point city council decided to create a downtown catalyst project to not only increase the commercial tax base, but also create more friendly and public gathering spaces. This was assembled in hopes to attract more residents and visitors year-round.

Starting after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the transformation of downtown High Point launched.

Due to a collaborative effort of the city government, business and community leaders, in just three quick years, the revitalization plans have gone from a simple vision to the grand openings of exquisite facilities.

Additionally, with the new developments in downtown High Point, it is also bringing both the city population and university students together. 

The most popular addition to the city is the Stock and Grain Assembly Food Hall, located directly next to the Truist Point High Point Rockers Baseball stadium.

The Stock and Grain Assembly Food Hall consists of nine independently-owned food businesses, along with two bars that are opened daily. It is projected that the hall will continue to add more options over the upcoming years.

Directly attached to this delicious food hall is another popular addition, known as Congdon Yards.

Congdon Yards took over the transformed historic factory and plant seven building. It was built by the community, but also for the community. The yards function as a destination for the entire city to come together at one place to work, collaborate and celebrate. 

Both the university students and the citizens of High Point now consider the Stock and Grain Assembly Food Hall and Congdon Yards the gathering “hot-spots" of downtown.

A questionable element of High Point is the debatable social scene it provides to the community.

There have always been a few bar options for the community members to come and mingle. For example, two HPU favorites are 1614, formally known as After Hours Tavern, along with BBJ’s, formally called Blue Bourbon Jacks. 

As loved as those places are, it was time for something new to take over the social scene.

In December of 2023, Dive Bar had its grand-opening and has now become a favorite for the entire community.

Dive Bar is opened during the days as a family-friendly arcade, then transforms to a 21 and over affordable bar at night.

However, even though the city of High Point hit an all-time economy low back in 2020, the project to revitalize the downtown area has been nothing but a tremendous success.

According to the most recent US Census report, High Point has a population of 115,849, this year.

The city is currently growing at a rate of 0.34% annually and its population has increased by 1.42% since the recorded population of 114,225, in 2020.

High Point has made a milestone of progress, so far, and the exceptional growth is expected to expand even more over the upcoming years. 

Above all, next time you ponder your first thought when you think about the city of High Point, keep in mind the extraordinary transformation the city is experiencing.