Belmont Trolley, Inc.

Trolley barns have long been a symbol of progress, innovation, and community connection. As Belmont Trolley embarks on constructing our new facility, we’re drawing inspiration from the past while embracing a bold vision for the future. Designed by Tim Johnston and the team at HELT Design - Architecture Interiors, our facility reflects the utilitarian elegance of historic trolley barns—exposed steel, expansive windows, and industrial charm—while integrating sustainable battery-powered trolley technology and a flexible, community-focused space for events, education, and innovation. This isn’t just a building—it’s a bridge between history and progress, designed to serve as a hub for Belmont’s growing community while pioneering advancements in rail technology. ?? Read more about the vision behind our future facility: bit.ly/3QDcWeT #BelmontTrolley #TrolleyBarn #SustainableInnovation #CommunityDevelopment #HistoricPreservation #UrbanDesign

?? Belmont Trolley & University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Innovating the Future of Rail ?? We’re proud to share that Belmont Trolley board member Nate Wells recently presented to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) about our collaboration with UNC Charlotte College of Engineering on an exciting rail innovation initiative. Our partnership with UNCC focuses on exploring cutting-edge rail technologies while preserving the legacy of historic trolley transportation. The FRA expressed strong interest in our efforts and highlighted the exciting potential for further development in this evolving field. With so few organizations actively working to modernize this 200-year-old industry, Belmont Trolley and UNCC are at the forefront of rail innovation—creating opportunities for sustainable transportation and community growth. Thank you to our partners and supporters who continue to fuel this exciting journey. #BelmontTrolley #UNCC #RailTechnology #TransportationInnovation #FutureOfRail #CommunityDevelopment #EngineeringExcellence

?? Meet Rob Pressley ?? We’re excited to re-introduce Rob Pressley, the President of Belmont Trolley, Inc., and a key visionary behind our project. Rob is a seasoned real estate broker and developer, currently serving as the President and CEO of MECA Commercial Real Estate, with offices in Charlotte and Gaston County. His extensive experience includes thousands of transactions across land, retail, office, and industrial real estate, with a strong focus on projects in Gaston County, including the revitalization of Belmont. Rob’s passion for Belmont Trolley began over a decade ago when he and other local citizens saw the potential to connect Downtown Belmont with Belmont Abbey through a trolley service. Today, after years of dedication, that vision is close to becoming a reality. Rob’s commitment to preserving history, especially through the renovation of endangered structures, fuels his work with the trolley project. Outside of his professional life, Rob enjoys preserving historic structures, a passion that aligns perfectly with the Belmont Trolley project. A fun fact about Rob: Although his family has deep roots in Charlotte, they also have strong ties to Belmont and Gaston County—his grandfather worked for Stowe Mills, and his father, aunt, and uncle attended St. Leo’s and Sacred Heart schools in Belmont. Join us in thanking Rob for his leadership and dedication to bringing Belmont Trolley to life! #BelmontTrolley #MeetTheBoard

?? Partnering for Innovation: UNCC & Belmont Trolley ?? We had a fantastic day hosting UNC Charlotte College of Engineering at the future site of the Belmont Trolley facility and the tracks through downtown Belmont! Our discussions centered around an exciting opportunity—using this space as a hub for research and development in rail technology, sustainable transportation, and engineering innovation. With few players actively working to modernize this industry, this partnership could position UNCC and Belmont Trolley at the forefront of rail innovation. We’re looking forward to continuing these conversations and working together to create a space that blends history, education, and groundbreaking research. #BelmontTrolley #UNCC #EngineeringInnovation #FutureOfRail #R&D #SustainableTechnology #CommunityPartnerships

?? Grateful for Community Connections! ?? We extend a heartfelt thank you to Gastonia East Rotary Club for inviting Belmont Trolley to provide an update on our progress and plans. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with local leaders and discuss how our project will benefit Gaston County through economic development, tourism, and community engagement. We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm from organizations like Gastonia East Rotary and look forward to continuing these important conversations as we work to bring this vision to life. Let’s keep the momentum rolling! ?? #BelmontTrolley #GastoniaEastRotary #CommunityEngagement #EconomicDevelopment #GastonCounty

??? New Renderings Alert! ??? The latest renderings of our Belmont Trolley facility are now live on the website, and we’re thrilled to share them with you! These updates showcase Phase 1: the Pavilion and Phase 2: the Completed Build, highlighting how we’re turning our vision into a reality. Phase 1 will feature a beautiful open-air pavilion, and Phase 2 will bring the fully completed facility with spaces for historic trolley exhibits, community programs, and innovation hubs. ?? Explore the renderings here: bit.ly/40xFoVn

In December, we proudly cheered on our University of North Carolina at Charlotte Senior Design Team as they showcased their incredible work at the UNC Charlotte College of Engineering Industrial Senior Design Exposition. This talented group of students has been hard at work designing innovative solutions for our battery cart, and their progress so far is amazing! We’re excited to see their designs come to life and take another step toward advancing sustainable rail technology right here in Belmont. Thank you to the students, their mentors, and the College of Engineering for partnering with us on this transformative project! #BelmontTrolley #UNCC #EngineeringInnovation #STEM #SustainableTech #CommunityPartnerships Deutsche Bahn

?? Belmont Trolley Joins Gaston Business Association! ?? We’re thrilled to announce that Belmont Trolley is now a proud member of the Gaston Business Association! ?? Being part of this incredible network will open up exciting opportunities for us to connect with local businesses, foster partnerships, and share our vision for bringing history and innovation to downtown Belmont. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community! We can’t wait to collaborate with other members and showcase how the Belmont Trolley project will benefit our region. Here’s to growing together! #BelmontTrolley #GastonBusinessAssociation #CommunityConnections #DowntownBelmont #StrongerTogether

? Meet the Trolley Board ? Nancy Litwak brings her sharp legal mind and passion for community to the Belmont Trolley board. A seasoned litigator since 2012, Nancy co-founded her own law firm, Rosenwood, Rose & Litwak, in 2018, focusing on construction and general litigation in Dilworth. Beyond her professional achievements, she’s deeply committed to pro bono work, particularly with the Guardian ad Litem program in North Carolina. Nancy was drawn to the Belmont Trolley project because it beautifully balances the charm of small-town life with the need to evolve and embrace the future. She’s excited about how the trolley project preserves Belmont’s history while promoting sustainable technology, creating a vibrant gathering place for the community. When Nancy isn’t busy at work or with her family, she’s an avid fiction reader and loves exploring local restaurants and traveling. ?? A fun fact about Nancy: She was the State Champion in cursive handwriting in Alabama when she was in 3rd grade! Let’s give a big thank you to Nancy for her dedication to making Belmont Trolley a reality! #BelmontTrolley #MeetTheBoard

?? Belmont Trolley Receives $40,000 Grant from The Cannon Foundation! ?? We’re proud to announce that Belmont Trolley has been awarded a $40,000 grant from The Cannon Foundation to advance the construction of our trolley facility in downtown Belmont! This dynamic space will blend history, innovation, and community by housing historic trolley cars, offering STEM education opportunities, and hosting arts and cultural events. “The Cannon Foundation’s support moves us closer to creating a space where education, culture, and history come together to benefit the entire community,” said Rob Pressley, Board President. We’re grateful to The Cannon Foundation for believing in our mission to preserve the past while inspiring the future. Learn more about Belmont Trolley’s vision at belmonttrolley.org. #BelmontTrolley #CannonFoundation #HistoricPreservation #Innovation #CommunitySupport #STEMEducation