Tom Smith and his daughter, Grace Cox, examine a display of memorabilia during a Monday Sneak Preview Open House at the new home of the Blue Ridge Business Development Center and Wilkes Community College. The open house was for individuals formerly employed in the building when it was a manufacturing facility. An open house for the general public will be held Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m.

BDC opening mixed with building history

With its imposing glass-front entrance and solarium snack area, the new home to the Blue Ridge Business Development Center and Wilkes Community College Alleghany Campus has a dramatic appearance. Inside the exposed roof rafters and distinct pattern of the distressed wooden floor hint at the historic role of the 43,000 square foot complex building. Constructed in 1959, it was the second of three locations where brothers Leon Atwood "L.A." Brown and H.T. "Pat" Brown manufactured clothing in Alleghany County.

According to company lore, L.A. Brown got his start hawking shirts that were sewn by his mother and his wife. The first Atwood plant was built in Troutman. Grand opening set for today, July 24, at BDC

Blue Ridge Business Development Center (BDC) officials have invited the public to celebrate the opening of Alleghany County's new business/education/technology complex today (Thursday).

The BDC complex on Atwood Street — which houses Wilkes Community College-Alleghany campus and Alleghany JobLink, along with the BDC — opened to students and the public earlier this month. The facility's grand opening/dedication festivities are scheduled for 2 p.m. today, followed by an open house from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

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