Commissioners approve feasibility study for Gates Commerce Center to explore grocery and flex-event space

The Gates County Board of Commissioners voted on April 16 to authorize Summit Engineering to proceed with a feasibility study for the county’s Commerce Center concept. The study will evaluate an alternative-model grocery store and a multi-use “flex” building the county could rent for events, entertainment and community gatherings.

Commissioner Nathan Berryman and committee member Lisa Cherry described the study as a next step to test demand and create a phased business plan. Berryman said the county wants to avoid building a facility that will not be sustainable and aims to identify a self-sustaining operating model and phased-cost plan before committing larger capital sums. The study scope will include a high-level market and demographic analysis, phased cost estimates, operational models, and contact with comparable projects and operators to learn from other rural efforts.

Commissioner Brian Rountree suggested seeking broader competition for the work in future phases but supported moving forward, noting Summit’s familiarity with the county could speed the process. Commissioners agreed to use public outreach and surveys as part of the study’s follow-on steps to assess community interest in a flex-event space and grocery options.

Why it matters: Gates County has limited retail options; county leaders are exploring locally appropriate solutions to retain spending and create community gathering space that could host events, food vendors and rentals for private functions.

What’s next: Summit will deliver the feasibility findings; staff said a separate appropriation or budget amendment would be required for study costs and any subsequent design or construction work. The board indicated it will combine the study findings with public engagement before committing capital funds.