Good morning Gaston County, David here…
Today is June 23rd, 2026
Bon jour from Epernay France, where it is just as hot or hotter than Gaston County. The high was originally supposed to be in the low 70’s, but evidently we brought the hot weather with us. Today is supposed to be 90, with a real feel of 102. Today we visited the grave of Dom Perignon.
Hope all the dads out there had a great Father’s Day doing whatever it is that makes them happy!
Today's weather: Intervals of clouds and sunshine, with a thunderstorm. Any heavier downpours can lead to localized flooding. The high will be 86.
Tonight: Clear to partly cloudy, and a low of 63.
Who invited the bear?
We don’t mind if you have a bear, but you need to keep it in your yard. Seriously though, this bear was spotted in Gaston County in the Tryon Courthouse area. A couple of weeks ago a bear was spotted in Charlotte’s Highland Creek area.
Bear activity typically increases between Memorial Day and early summer as young males travel long distances searching for territory. Those movements often bring bears into suburban neighborhoods and other unexpected locations.
Photo courtesy of Trish Jordan
Do you recognize this building in downtown Gastonia?
I didn’t…but it’s located at 278 West Main Ave. in downtown Gastonia. So, evidently there are three condos up top, and they are all three occupied, one by local mover and shaker Jim Moraso. The building was originally Rustin Furniture.
A reputable source says “Stay tuned!:- an art studio, an art gallery , and a wine bar are on the way.
What’s happening with Franklin Yards?
We reported in 2022 that Franklin Yards would be built by 2025. Obviously , this hasn’t happened. I know Highline Partners were looking for a limited partner at one time. The project will be built on the old YMCA site. We understand that demolition will begin in August but construction will not begin until 2027-2028.
It’s a pretty ambitious project:
Residential: The plan calls for 253 apartment units (ranging from studios to 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom floor plans) split across three residential buildings. Features include a resort-style pool terrace, a fitness center, a clubroom, and a top-floor lounge overlooking a private park space and the baseball stadium.
Commercial: A fourth, smaller building fronting Franklin Boulevard will host roughly 5,300 to 5,400 square feet of retail and restaurant space for two commercial tenants.
Public Space: A ~10,000-square-foot pocket park will serve as a connector between the commercial fronts and the residential spaces.
We have reached out to Highline Partners for more info, but have not heard back by press time.
A little history about Center City Crossing in downtown Gastonia
Originally the site of the Center Theater, the theater was a major part if downtown Gastonia for many years. But when Eastridge Mall was built, downtown began to decline. As shopping malls and suburban developments drew traffic away from downtown Gastonia in the late 20th century, the theater eventually closed. Left vacant, the building deteriorated significantly. Deemed a public safety hazard, the structure was ultimately condemned and demolished by the city.
For roughly a decade following the demolition, the vacant lot was converted into a temporary, grassy "pocket park." While it provided a bit of green space downtown, city leaders explicitly viewed the parcel as a prime location for future economic development.
Though initially slated to wrap up much earlier, the project faced significant hurdles. Like many construction developments at the time, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic—including massive supply chain bottlenecks, labor constraints, and rising material costs—stalled progress for nearly two years.
The development team finally got back on track and held an official groundbreaking ceremony on April 5, 2022. The construction brought a unique sight to the skyline: a massive tower crane in the middle of downtown, which local economic officials noted was a rare and exciting marker of major private investment in the urban core.
Construction wrapped up and Center City Crossing officially opened for leasing in 2025.
Today, the completed development stands as a 6-story, 90-unit luxury apartment building featuring modern amenities, private office spaces, and a rooftop terrace with views of Crowders Mountain. Ultimately, the history of Center City Crossing serves as a microcosm of Gastonia itself—reclaiming a space that once drove community entertainment to reshape it for 21st-century urban living.
Gaston County Fireworks Schedule(s)
June 25, Mount Holly, 6:00-10:00 PM;00-9:30, downtown
June 26, Bessemer City: 6:00-10:00 PM
June 27, Cramerton, live music, food, fireworks: 6:00-9:30 PM
July 2, Cherryville: Live music 6-10, fireworks start at 10:00 PM
July 3rd, Red, White & Belmont, Upper field of Stowe Park, time TBA
July 4, Gastonia, 5:00-9:30, downtown
July 4, Dallas, Cloninger Park, Live music, food trucks, fireworks at 9:30
July 4, Lowell, check with city
July 4, Stanley, Harper Park, 9:30 PM
July 17, Ranlo, car show, fireworks, food, 5-9 PM, Ranlo Park
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Have you been to Shelli’s She Shed yet?
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New Hours: Fri & Sat 10am-3pm
980-318-3816
106 W. Dallas Rd.. Stanley , NC 28164
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Gaston County Jobs
All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County
Bichons aplenty!
We have 3 females and they are working very hard on potty training. They are 3 years old and weigh about 10 pounds. They are sooo wanting to be held and loved! Please consider 1 of these girls. They were surrendered by a breeder!
