Groundbreaking set for OLLE Art Walk in Hickory (Old Lenoir Road)

HICKORY, NC (March 19, 2024) ⇒ The Hickory Trail continues to take shape as construction of a new segment of the multiuse path system will soon begin along Old Lenoir Road.

The City of Hickory invites the community to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the OLLE Art Walk on Thursday, April 4, at 9 a.m. along the future trail path at 1079 Third Avenue Drive NW.

This event will mark the official start of construction for the OLLE Art Walk and will recognize project partners, supporters, and stakeholders of this important project. The ceremony will include comments from Hickory Mayor Hank Guess and Bond Commission Chair Burk Wyatt.

OLLE Art Walk (formerly referred to as Old Lenoir Walk and the Ninth Street NW Connector) will be part of the larger Hickory Trail multiuse system and bond program that seeks to increase quality of life for residents and spur economic revitalization by providing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity throughout the city.

The OLLE Art Walk trail will run approximately 2.4 miles along Ninth Street NW and Old Lenoir Road to create a critical link between the City Walk, Riverwalk, and Aviation Walk segments of the Hickory Trail.

Once a major thoroughfare into and out of the central business district of Hickory, Old Lenoir Road is now home to funky retail boutiques, a budding arts district, and a variety of businesses.

This new section of trail is named after the OLLE Arts District, which derives its name from the first two letters of “Old” and “Lenoir” from the road name, Old Lenoir Road. The OLLE Arts District is one of the City of Hickory’s recognized business associations.

This area will be revitalized with the OLLE Art Walk, which is anticipated to be a catalyst for private investment and economic development along this corridor. With the hope of continuing to cultivate the arts in this area, the OLLE Art Walk plans to incorporate historical markers, public art pieces, and colorful murals along its path.

Hickory City Council approved a $22,714,090.80 construction contract with Neill Grading and Construction Company, Inc. for the OLLE Art Walk. The project is anticipated to take approximately 24 months to complete.

For more information about the OLLE Art Walk, and to follow along with construction progress, please check www.hickorync.gov/olle-art-walk-information.

To learn about the entire Hickory Trail, visit www.hkytrail.com.

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