Morganton council approves declaring 112 West Union Street surplus, begins upset‑bid process for sale to Cranford Hospitality

The Morganton City Council voted Sept. 8 to declare city‑owned property at 112 West Union Street surplus and to begin the legally required upset‑bid process for a proposed sale to Cranford Hospitality.

City Manager Sally Sandy told council the city solicited proposals to upfit and operate a restaurant in the two‑story building that houses Main Street’s office on the second floor. Sandy said the proposal that best matched the city’s economic goals came from Cranford Hospitality and includes purchase, renovation and operating commitments.

Sandy summarized the offer: “The sale price is $425,000. There would be a $25,000 earnest money deposit put down, and the offer also includes some reduced and free rent for the Main Street office to stay in the current property,” she said.

Under North Carolina General Statute 160A‑269, the city must advertise an intent to sell and allow a minimum upset‑bid period. City staff said the city would advertise Thursday to begin the 10‑day upset‑bid window. If no qualifying upset bids are received, staff would return with a development agreement for council approval within 30 days after the upset‑bid period ends.

Sandy said the terms before council included a target closing by December 2025 and a requirement that renovations begin by Jan. 31, 2026. The proposed buyer also committed to operate the restaurant six days a week and provide two meal services a day, and to perform upfits to the first floor, second floor, mezzanine and outdoor deck. The draft development agreement contains a city option to reacquire the property at the purchase price if the developer misses required timelines.

Council voted in favor of the resolution and directed staff to advertise the offer and initiate the upset‑bid process.

No votes were recorded by roll call in the minutes; the motion passed on a voice vote.