The plaza is part of a long-term goal and, according to Armbrust, would push along revitalization efforts downtown.

“This long-wished-for dream of many is now a firm reality,” Armbrust said, “and the naming opportunity will reflect the strong bonds in our community with St. Luke’s Hospital, which began less than 50 feet away in the second floor of what is now Owens Pharmacy.”

This public/private economic development partnership continues the broad downtown development strokes of what began more than a year ago with Andy Millard and the renovation of the Tryon Depot, and afterwards, with Dr. John Hooker and the development of the Depot Plaza itself, Armbrust said.

The former thrift store location has been vacant for about two years, Armbrust said.