Andrews – West End Plaza, at the west entrance into town from U.S. 19/74, is getting some much-needed renovations after new owners took over.
The purchase, completed on May 29 and brokered by Allison Ralph of Old Town Brokers, is a boon for the plaza, which was originally built in 1976. New owners Morgan Ellis and Tony Kelly knew the property was in need of a serious upgrade and curb appeal when they visited downtown.
“We found Andrews sort of by accident,” Ellis said. “My wife Morgan – yes, we’re both Morgans – and I had visited surrounding cities in north Georgia, including Blue Ridge, before visiting Murphy. Then we found Andrews and saw the stunning view from the Valley, and we knew Andrews had something special.”
That something special led the Ellises to purchase property near Western Carolina Regional Airport. After establishing a relationship with Ralph over the last two years, they continued to purchase other properties around town, including the recent acquisition of the Lily Pad Suites complex, which was converted into an Airbnb property called Hygge Hus, or “comfort house.”
“When we found out about West End [Plaza] coming up for sale, I said, ‘Let’s do the numbers, and if they work let’s revive this property,’ ” Kelly said.
The duo – along with Ellis’ wife and Kelly’s wife, Chantal – decided to venture into purchasing the commercial property after having been partners since 2020. With each having real estate backgrounds, they’ve brokered and managed investment properties in the Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla., area, then decided the time and opportunity was right to branch out into western North Carolina.
Ellis said the property will retain all 12 tenants, which include the Cherokee County Democratic Party headquarters, Cherokee County Food Bank, Jumpers Party Rentals, Kobe Grill and Nino Santo restaurant. The first work will be “remodeling, including new roofing, air conditioning upgrades and more curb appeal, before the heavy lifting.
“We anticipate work progressing to completion by the end of the year, but with the costs of materials changing almost daily, we’re working to plan the renovations along with tenant needs to best forge ahead with the vision for the property,” he added. “We’re not moving slowly, but there’s also no rush. We want to do everything right and are giving careful consideration to every aspect of the renewal.”
That vision includes attracting new businesses to the property, which includes about 358 feet of Valley River frontage. Ellis said they’re thinking of the various ways to capitalize upon that with a variety of ideas about potential businesses to anchor the plaza.
“We’re thinking we need one serious tenant as the anchor to best utilize that frontage, and there are many ways it could be adequately used,” he said. “We just have to attract the best fit.”
Those plans include a vision for local entrepreneurs to benefit from the location, which once included the grocery store Super Saver, the thrift store Samaritan’s Promise, a video rental store and national chain Fred’s, which filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and subsequently closed all stores nationwide.
The plaza has since been empty apart from smaller businesses.
Many people in town have longed for the revitalization of the town’s entrance property, given the surge in the last five years on Main Street.
“We’re looking to create an opportunity for locals to enter the business arena here and we’re looking to foster all types of leases and partnerships. We’re looking to also maintain our rental rates as affordable and to attract more tenants into the property,” Ellis said.
“We’re looking for a real multi-use venue at the plaza, and we’re also anticipating a name change. That change will honor both the Cherokee heritage and Andrews’ place as an outdoor destination, and will be changed to Red Horse Plaza.”
Kelly added that the team is looking “to meet our goals of growing and keeping businesses in Andrews and that we’re also partnering with other entrepreneurs along Main Street for ideas about what the town needs and wants, as well as the Town of Andrews and the chamber of commerce to seek grants that will help incubate small businesses.”
“This town is a gateway to the [Great] Smoky Mountains and positioned in a very desirable area that’s only 45 minutes to two hours from other destinations and attractions. It’s also distinct with the Valley’s beauty and surrounding scenery which makes it an excellent outdoor destination as well,” Ellis added.
The duo is adamant about using local workers as much as possible with contractors and subcontractors for electrical and plumbing work at the property.
“We want to create an identity with Andrews and the local population,” Ellis said.
The plaza includes 9.5 acres, and the buildings total about 85,000 square feet. The duo want everyone to follow the progress as they drive into town.
“The changes will be subtle, but visible,” Ellis said, “and we can’t wait to make this plaza a showcase of business along Main Street Andrews.”