4 years later, this Brunswick town is ready to demolish and replace its old town hall

After four years of discussions, Ocean Isle Beach is moving forward with plans to replace its former town hall building with a multi-function building and public safety annex.

At its April meeting, the Ocean Isle Beach Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to move forward with the design phase of the proposed project, which first garnered public interest in April 2019.

The existing building was constructed around 1988 at 3 West Third Street in Ocean Isle Beach. The two-story building served as the town administration building.

A new town hall building was constructed at 111 Causeway Drive in Ocean Isle Beach and opened in October 2020. The town’s administration, planning and police departments now work out of the new building.

The old town hall building, and a 720-square-foot garage, currently sit unoccupied. Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith said despite it not being in use, the town spends some $25,000 a year on various maintenance and repairs on the existing building.

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The first floor of the building is approximately 5,400 square feet and the second floor is approximately 2,000 square feet. The building held various office spaces as well as an 880-square-foot meeting room.

The building was used for business purposes, and as the town looked to change its use, the building’s sprinkler system and plumbing facilities would have to be updated to meet current building code. The cost to update the existing building could cost upwards of $150,000 more than a new building in its place, town staff said.

The town considered three options, with options A and B looking to renovate the existing building, with an associated cost of around $4.4 million and $4.5, respectively. The third option, constructing an entirely new building on the property, has an estimated cost of $4,352,000.

Ultimately, town officials opted to replace the 35-year-old building with a new, 10,000-square-foot facility with community, multi-function space and area to house the town’s public safety department and equipment.

“This is a dual-use type structure for the town and for the community,” Smith said.

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Smith estimated some 40% of the building will be space for the town’s public safety department, one she says is only increasing in demand as the town’s population grows.

At an April public input session, Smith said she anticipates the town will pay for “a large portion” of the project with existing funds and accommodations tax funds.

“I can’t think of a better way to spend some of that money other than for services that really do serve the public,” Smith said.

According to community surveys completed by the town, residents hope it will provide a place for “movies and fitness classes, some POA meetings, community meetings, have some potluck gatherings, educational seminars, resource programs and just general meeting space, as well as some recreational space for staff.”

Board members said rules for use will be more specifically outlined as the project moves forward.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Ocean Isle Beach moves forward with plans to replace its old town hall