There are those who would have you believe that Newcastle is officially “on the ropes” as a result of a few Main Street businesses closing their doors in 2017, but it occurred to us after Tuesday’s Chamber of Commerce meeting at the soon-to-be Newcastle Lodge and Convention Center that the local economy is in much better shape than you probably think.
The new hotel is scheduled to open by Thanksgiving, and it will join the new Pinnacle Bank building, an expanded and remodeled hospital and manor, and a newly landscaped Fountain Inn in creating a significantly improved first impression of Newcastle for the thousands of people who pass through the four-way stop each year.
Developer Doug Peterson repeatedly referred to the “river of money” that constantly flows by Newcastle on Highway 85, and we believe his new motel and the other improvements on that side of town will succeed in diverting more of that flow into our community.
That additional traffic from the east represents opportunity for those interested in using vacated Main Street buildings to pursue it, and we’re looking forward to announcing your grand openings in 2018!