Search
Historic Downtown Theater and Retail
For Sale
$850,000

131 E Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043

15,359 SF building in historic downtown Forest City.

Days on Market444

Property Features for 131 E Main Street

General Information

Standard status Active

Building Details

Year Built 1929
Listing Agency: LIKEWISE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Listed By: STACY WHEELER
Source: Corcoran
Added: May 13, 2025 Changed: Mar 16 Last Checked: Mar 16 at 9:09AM

Displayed information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All listing content including descriptions, pricing, images are the copyrighted material of LIKEWISE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Investment Insights

Based on property information with market context.

Located on Main Street in historic downtown Forest City, this 15,359 square foot building is situated in the C-1 district. Constructed in 1929, this building, formerly the Romina Theater, features vaudeville and movies. The property is currently vacant and suitable for retail, office, gallery, or event space. The main level offers 4,939 square feet, large display windows, a storage room, and a freight elevator. The upper level, accessible separately, provides space for events, galleries, or theaters. The upstairs features 19.25-foot ceilings, original hand-painted designs, a curved proscenium arch, original stamped tin tiles, and ornate lighting fixtures. Rutherford County is located in the foothills of Western North Carolina, approximately one hour from Asheville, Charlotte, and Greenville/Spartanburg.

Key Highlights

  • Largest building in historic downtown Forest City with high visibility on Main St.
  • Versatile space suitable for retail, office, gallery, or event venue.
  • Upper level with IMPRESSIVE 19'3" ceilings and separate access, ideal for revenue‑generating events or gallery.

Property Analytics

Current Use

Storefront properties

Suggested Use

Top Pick Building Supply Real Estate Agency Parking Lot & Garage Law Firm Furniture & Home Goods Kitchen & Bath Showroom

Score = modeled unmet demand for each use within ~1 mi (higher = bigger opportunity). Zoning and permitted uses should be independently verified with local authorities.

Location Intelligence

Trade Area within ½ mile

50
Businesses Nearby
Balanced
Demand for This Use

Demographics for 28043, NC

20,183
Population
9,356
Households
2.2
Avg Household Size
43
Median Age
18%
College-Educated
84%
High-School Grad
66.3 sq mi
ZIP Area
304
Density / Sq Mi
$41,746
Median Household Income
$29,909
Median Earnings
$744
Median Rent
$176,100
Median Home Value

Market

Vacancy Rate% for Office in South region

14.4% 2019
16.4% 2020
17.3% 2021
18% 2022
18.6% 2023
20.3% 2024
20.2% 2025
Rey
Questions? Ask Rey
Realmo’s AI knows this listing — price, zoning, demand, history. Ask anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of property is this?
Storefront property - 15,359 SF building in historic downtown Forest City.
Where is this storefront property located?
The property is located at 131 E Main Street Forest City, NC.
What is the asking price?
The asking price for this property is $850,000.
What are key features of this property?
This property features: Largest building in historic downtown Forest City with high visibility on Main St.; Versatile space suitable for retail, office, gallery, or event venue.; Upper level with IMPRESSIVE 19'3" ceilings and separate access, ideal for revenue‑generating events or gallery.
More about this property
Thanks! Your message was sent.
Error! Your message wasn't sent.
Please enter your name
Please enter email
Please enter the email in the correct format
Please enter phone
Please enter the number in the correct format
Please enter message