WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The old 7Up bottling plant on Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem is no longer wasted space.

The owner, along with city officials, cut the ribbon this weekend at the Amer Center.

The 18,000 square foot space now houses a garage, warehouse, convenience store, salon and a community center.

"Children can come together, play on the computer, play games, and [we] take them on trips," said Amer Center owner Ali Amer. "You know, just get the kids' minds out of the street, and some will be good in the future."

Amer funded the mixed-use project through the Revitalizing Uban Commercial Areas Program, an initiative that encourages investors to fix up distressed properties in certain areas by offering matching funding from the city.