Thomasville discusses rehabilitation project
On Monday, April 14, 2025 Tammy Joyce, Director of Downtown Economic Development introduced developer Brett Krueger, noting his 25 years of experience in historic building renovation and previous work on hotels recognized in the South and featured in Architectural Digest.
Krueger presented a proposal to rehabilitate the former City Hall/Courthouse/Fire and Police Departments at 7 W. Guilford into a 26-room boutique hotel. The project would also include event space and a restaurant.
He stated that historical renovation projects typically result in 6 cents of every dollar benefiting building owners and 94 cents impacting the surrounding community.
Krueger addressed challenges in the local market, such as low retail and hotel rates, and noted the site’s location between Business 85 and Interstate 85.
Planned uses for the building include:
Restoring the former library space;
Converting the fire station into a restaurant;
Developing 26 one-bedroom units for use as hotel rooms, Airbnb rentals, corporate housing, or workforce housing;
Repurposing former jail cells into a bar or lodging spaces;
Creating event space behind the hotel.
Krueger referenced previous projects in Asheville and Charlotte and introduced architect Eddie Belk and additional project partners.
City Council Members expressed interest in the project and asked questions about its feasibility and potential competition with existing venues. Krueger responded by outlining the distinct features of the proposed development.
