Morganton council approves sale of 112 West Union Street to Cranford Hospitality for new restaurant 'The Union'

The Morganton City Council voted Oct. 6 to approve a development agreement with Cranford Properties of North Carolina LLC to sell city-owned property at 112 West Union Street, clearing the way for Cranford Hospitality nd a proposed restaurant called "The Union".

Cranford representative Zach Cranford presented the project to the council and said the concept is tailored to Morganton. "We come today to ask for the council to approve the proposed economic development agreement so that our team can get to work to bring this project into fruition from a rendering to reality," Cranford said. The presentation included exterior renderings and business-plan details shared with council members.

Council members moved and seconded a motion to approve the development agreement authorizing the mayor and city manager to execute the contract with technical and clerical amendments. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

City staff and the city attorney also told council that an outstanding right of first refusal involving the McGimsies had been negotiated. Council approved an agreement terminating that right to allow the sale to proceed; staff indicated the termination documents were available for signature.

Council did not attach additional conditions or a recorded performance schedule in the meeting minutes beyond the authorization to execute the agreements. The development agreement and the termination of the right of first refusal were approved during the same meeting, which completes the council actions needed to move the transaction forward.

Next steps described by staff include finalizing the technical edits to the agreement and executing the paperwork. Cranford said the team would proceed with design and permitting once the agreements were signed.