Ex-Celanese employees gather to hear about Riverwalk

By Matt Garfield - The Herald

Between 80 and 90 retired Celanese employees gathered Wednesday to hear about plans for a massive redevelopment project that will take the place of their old plant.

Many said afterward they are impressed by Riverwalk, though they hope it includes something to honor the history of the Celanese plant, which operated from 1948 until 2004 at a sprawling facility on North Cherry Road.

Developers are turning the industrial site into what will be the city�s largest single development project. Plans call for a business park, outdoor shopping village, hundreds of home sites as well as a linear park along the river and and a sports complex called the Cycling and Outdoor Center of the Carolinas.

Lead developer Dave Williams said his company hopes to install some type of marker to commemorate the service of Celanese employees. He plans to work with retirees in coming months to plan the specifics. The old Celanese water tower will be preserved, as will a train locomotive.

For the full story, read tomorrow's Herald.