McGregor Hall's economic impact to be studied by NC State

Tyler Davis, Henderson (N.C.) Daily Dispatch
·2 min read

Jun. 2—HENDERSON — North Carolina State University's Municipal Research Lab is scheduled to begin a study of the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center's economic impact in late August.

The study is meant to "give us an empirical assessment of what McGregor Hall is doing for the community," said McGregor Hall Executive Director Mark Hopper. "Our first and primary mission is economic redevelopment of the downtown area. So, we want a measuring stick to know how we're doing."

McGregor Hall staff have implemented more community events since 2019, said Hopper, like a string of 15 dance competitions planned for next year.

The new study should cost around $7,500. Hopper said private donations will cover that bill.

"It's really exciting for us to get a report card on how we're doing," said Hopper.

The MRL conducted another study in 2019, which found that McGregor Hall contributed $3.32 million to Henderson between 2016, when it first opened, and 2019.

That contribution means people came from outside Henderson to visit McGregor Hall — During their stay, they shopped at local stores, ate at local restaurants, stayed in local hotels and so on.

The authors used survey responses from businesses around McGregor Hall and data from the hall, which allowed them to distinguish between resident and non-resident spending.

The 2019 study also noted that McGregor Hall is a part of Henderson's brand, acting as a draw to the area. The authors of the study noted that, at the time, McGregor Hall was the highest rated attraction on the list of "things to do" in Henderson — according to Tripadvisor.com, it remains at the top- five "stars" out of 29 reviews.

"That was done in 2019," said Vance County Commissioner Tommy Hester. "A lot of things have changed since then, and McGregor Hall has grown in... participation."

Hester reached out to local officials and Hopper to request an updated study. The commissioner is confident that this year's study will show an impact around "$5 million or $6 million today versus what it was back then."

"The results are going to be impressive for this community, totally," said Hester. "I'm very, very excited about where it was, and I'm very excited about where it's going, and the impact is going to be very, very good. That's an asset we need to promote more. Period."

The plan is to use ticket sales to non-residents, spending on food and lodging by non-residents and the hall's ongoing maintenance and operational costs. Downtown Development Coordinator Tracy Madigan said it may conclude around autumn of this year.

"The mission statement for the city's NC Main Street program includes promoting Henderson as a regional vibrant cultural corridor with McGregor Hall at the center of that goal," said Madigan. She also noted that the study would provide updated insight into McGregor Hall's cultural impact.