Downtown Holly Springs (NC) on the Rise: New Projects, Fresh Branding, and Strong Momentum Highlight Workshop
Council and staff outline a strategic path for downtown growth, parking improvements, stronger storefront support and infrastructure partnerships, building a framework for long-term community vitality
Holly Springs, NC, Dec. 10, 2025 — During last night’s Town Council Workshop, Economic Development, Development Services, and Communications & Marketing leaders briefed Council members on a wide-ranging set of initiatives designed to strengthen small businesses, enhance downtown vibrancy, support local entrepreneurs, and plan thoughtfully for long-term public infrastructure.
The update, lasting nearly 90 minutes and marked by energetic Council dialogue, underscored how downtown Holly Springs has rapidly become both a community hub and an economic engine. Staff walked Council through both ongoing initiatives already delivering benefits and future projects in the pipeline.
Small Businesses Remain Central to Local Economic Strength
Staff first outlined the Town’s Economic Development Program, which supports business attraction and retention, entrepreneurship, community vitality, workforce alignment, and marketing. Holly Springs continues to see robust growth in new business registrations, reflecting the town’s appeal, its strategic location, and favorable economic climate.
Because small businesses don’t have in-house permitting teams or development managers, Town staff invest significant time walking them through processes that could otherwise pose barriers. One example: Launch Holly Springs (website), which boasts an 80% multi-year business survival rate, far outperforming national averages.
Downtown: The Cultural Heart of Holly Springs
Staff emphasized that downtown Holly Springs is not just a commercial district; it’s the place that reflects community identity. Unlike major retail corridors anchored by national brands, downtown is powered by entrepreneurship, creativity, and local ownership.
“When people think of Holly Springs, they picture downtown,” staff noted. “It reflects who we are.”
What Businesses Are Saying: Walkability, Parking, and Foot Traffic
Staff noted that roughly 40 downtown businesses participated in a recent roundtable session. Staff shared participants’ feedback, which centered on:
Walkability and connectivity
Parking availability
Steady foot traffic throughout the day
Events and promotions that drive customers directly to storefronts
Businesses also noted that the Town’s direct accessibility and approachability are among its most valuable support tools.
Current Initiatives Already Underway
The staff’s update also highlighted several projects that are in progress and already delivering value:
Shop the Springs
The holiday-season program expanded geographically this year, logging 25 participating stops and more than 200 cards distributed. Businesses praised the consistent foot traffic this program brings, contrasting it with “one-day surge” events that disappear once tents come down.
Brand Identity Rollout
A distinctive new identity — “Downtown Holly Springs: It’s Happening Here” — will roll out beginning in January. Gateway banners, signage, and website updates will reflect the new brand.
Holiday and Year-Round Lighting
Downtown lighting improvements continue to draw people in. Several businesses reported increased foot traffic, and some even saw customers lining up for photos.
Mural Project
An enclosure has been identified as the first mural surface.
Artist selection: February 2026
Final design: April 2026
Sip-and-Stroll
The Town’s “Sip-and-Stroll” zone (story) continues to gain momentum, especially when paired with downtown activations like Light the Springs. Sip-and-Stroll allows patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages in designated public areas downtown, boosting local businesses and enhancing the community atmosphere, especially during events.
Future and Potential Improvements on the Horizon
The update also mapped out several forward-looking initiatives that could shape the next phase of downtown growth.
Festival Street (Event-Centered Corridor)
A dedicated festival street could transform downtown event logistics.
Public engagement: Spring 2026
Design targeted: Early 2027
On-Street Parking (+ ~30 Spaces)
A low-cost approach could reconfigure striping to create approximately 30 additional on-street parking spaces, while also calming traffic and improving the sidewalk experience.
This concept will be evaluated block by block to ensure businesses have clear input and visibility.
Mims Park Catalyst Opportunity
Mims Park surfaced as a significant catalyst site for the future (story), one that could:
Add walkable residential units
Help finance public infrastructure through a partnership
Address parking more efficiently than standalone Town projects
Initial business interest in this opportunity has been strong.
Hotel Recruitment Strategy
Staff are preparing materials to market Holly Springs to hotel developers early next year. A boutique hotel downtown could help capture visitor spending that currently leaves town.
Downtown Investment Grant (DIG) Expansion
Staff previewed possible revisions to DIG to help existing storefronts enhance façades, outdoor seating, planters, and visual coherence. The goal is to ensure investment supports vibrancy at the street level.
Council Reaction: Optimistic and Future-Focused
Councilmembers responded enthusiastically, lauding the clarity of the update and the strong interdepartmental collaboration.
Questions centered on:
Parking and walkability tradeoffs
Partnering with private development (especially at Mims Park)
Budget timing for future requests
Continued support for entrepreneurship townwide
The Takeaway
From branding and lighting to Shop the Springs, mural projects, and large-scale development opportunities, Council and staff painted a picture of a downtown that is growing intentionally, building identity, and attracting more people to its storefronts.
Small businesses are clearly thriving, and downtown is increasingly becoming the kind of place people seek out, not just to transact, but to connect, stroll, enjoy, and return.
As Council wrapped up the discussion, the sentiment was unmistakable: the work underway today is shaping a downtown that residents will remember tomorrow. And the new town brand says it plainly — “It’s Happening Here.”
We have to say that the downtown area is absolutely beautiful this year! The color scheme is gorgeous and over-the-top elegant!