The Future of the Community Square
The Community Square is situated along the shores of Silver Lake in the heart of Ocracoke village. With a view across the harbor of the lighthouse, these 5 National Register Historic Structures have served as a hub of commerce and social gatherings for decades. Many early island photographs depict daily life centered around the iconic Community Store, the Will Willis Fish house, the Ice Plant and the island’s first generator plant.
The Community Square was listed for sale in 2009. The Ocracoke Foundation’s primary concern was losing the Square, the heart of the island’s maritime heritage, to private development. Our intent was to take this valuable island asset, restore and preserve it, and put it to work for the community. After working closely with the seller, we thankfully were able to access two interim loans for the $1.6M purchase in November 2013. The Conservation Fund and a Private Donor each put up $800,000.
The $800,000 interim loan from The Conservation Fund must now be repaid by October 2016. As we raise the funds to repay The Conservation Fund, the Private Donor is willing to release debt obligation 1:1. Therefore, between now and October 2016, for all donations to repay The Conservation Fund loan, the Private Donor will forgive an equal amount—up to $800,000. The $1.6M needed would secure debt-free ownership.
For donations made to support Restoration, we anticipate grants will match .50 for each $1 donated.
The goal of this $2.4M campaign is two-fold: 1) Retire The Conservation Fund loan so that the lease income is put into a Community Fund and Grants Program, and, 2) Restore the grounds, shoreline and historic structures.
Benefits of the Community Square Revitalization Project
WATERFRONT ACCESS & PUBLIC USE. Ocracoke is a historic maritime community. Access to the water is crucial for water-based businesses, and the enjoyment of residents and the traveling public. With the exception of the National Park Service property, Silver Lake is completely surrounded by private property – both commercial and residential. Our focus is ensuring that access will be available in perpetuity. The repair of the docks, piers, platforms and kayak launch ramp will continue to provide a base for maritime business, local watermen and recreational boaters. Future generations of watermen will be assured of a base for their livelihood.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP. Storm water and wastewater improvements are necessary. Replacing impervious asphalt with semi-pervious concrete and redirecting drainage away from the harbor will provide much needed filters for storm water, and add to protecting Silver Lake’s threatened waters, as well as increase harbor-side greenspace. In partnership with the NC Coastal Federation, a “living shoreline” of wetland grasses and a rock wash wall of oyster bags will be designed as a demonstration project to aid in storm water management. Enlarged shoreline platforms will enhance OFI’s Outdoor Environmental Education summer classes and provide space for other events.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION. Architecture is a historic community’s best advertisement, a testament to the strength of its past. It keeps locals and visitors alike connected to the community, both presently and historically. This cluster of National Register structures, the docks, and the shoreline will be restored to a setting typical of historic Ocracoke circa 1950’s. The purpose/uses of The Community Square are the same today as they were in 1918 – goods were bought and sold, fishermen came and went, boats brought visitors and cargo, and people visited with one another. The historic town square atmosphere with its festive gatherings bring vitality and promotes a hometown feel, which is one of reasons vacationers continue to come to Ocracoke.
PRESERVED IN PERPETUITY. The historic, environmental and maritime importance of the Community Square will be preserved with easements and other legal protections. The creation of a Harbor Front Garden featuring benches, picnic tables and native plants will honor those who have worked to preserve the Community Square over past decades.
ENDOWMENT FOR OCRACOKE ISLAND. Since 2008, when the Ocracoke Foundation began to focus on acquiring the Community Square, the core goals were to protect, preserve and put this valuable asset to work for the community. Despite tourism and land values, Ocracoke is classified under Hyde County as a rural, tier 1 [low-income] community in the state, and thus relies on its citizens and nonprofits for everything from special events to childcare. Once the interim loans are retired, OFI will ensure that the income from the Community Square becomes a permanent endowment for the Ocracoke community.
This community icon can model how isolated, rural communities can put their assets to work: by saving historic properties, providing space for locally owned small businesses, maintaining waterfront access and public open space, being a focal point for tourism, and by using the lease income as a permanent endowment.
Please help restore, revitalize and protect this irreplaceable island asset. Visit the Ocracoke Foundation website at www.ocracokefoundation.org for more history and information, and to find out how YOU CAN HELP!
