Developer pitches 26-room boutique hotel for historic 7 W. Guilford building in Thomasville

Developer Brett Krueger presented plans on March 10 to convert the historic 7 W. Guilford building in Thomasville into a 26-room boutique hotel with event space, a restaurant and restored library facilities.

Tammy Joyce introduced Krueger, who said the multi-use project would repurpose the building’s former library, fire station and even jail cells to create unique guest spaces. Krueger said historically sensitive renovations often generate strong spillover economic benefit, adding that “historical renovation projects typically result in 6-cents of every dollar going to the building owners and 94 cents to the surrounding community.” He said the site’s location between Business 85 and Interstate 85 would help draw visitors from outside the local market.

The project would create 26 one-bedroom units that Krueger said could function as hotel rooms, short-term rentals, corporate housing or workforce housing, and would include event space possibly located behind the hotel. Architect Eddie Belk, introduced as part of the project team, was identified as having historical renovation experience.

Council members expressed general enthusiasm for redeveloping a landmark building but raised questions about feasibility given local retail and hotel market conditions and possible competition with existing venues. Krueger and Belk responded with examples of successful renovations in Asheville and Charlotte and explained design approaches intended to differentiate the proposed hotel.

The council did not take formal action on the proposal at the briefing meeting; members asked the developer and staff to continue refining project details and market analyses for future consideration.

The next formal step will be whatever application or public hearing the developer and city staff schedule; the briefing minutes do not specify a formal plan submission date.