The newly refurbished the Ocracoke Commons Building, 25 Lighthouse Rd., has passed its final building inspection and received its certificate of occupancy.
Formerly known as the Island Inn and Odd Fellows Lodge, this marks the completion of a preservation project that the Ocracoke Preservation Society (OPS) began in 2018. The goal was to preserve this historic building and protect the land from development.
The initiative started in December 2017 when a group of concerned Ocracoke citizens presented a proposal to the OPS executive committee. They suggested that OPS should buy the property and restore the original structure of the Island Inn. The committee approved this proposal and purchased the property in May 2018, commencing the restoration work shortly thereafter.
The property is owned by the OPS but the restored Ocracoke Commons building and property will be managed by the Ocracoke Commons Visitor & Cultural Center, a 501c3 non-profit organization. Debbie Wells serves as the manager and the board of directors consists of co-chairs Heather Johnson and Lisa Landrum; treasurer Tim Gwaltney; secretary Jennifer Garrish; and board members Bob Kornegay, Paige Bennett and Raul Campos.
The building will serve as a visitor center and also features a garden/park and public restrooms. It will be available for various community activities, including weddings, receptions, reunions and corporate events.
Funding for this project was provided by the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board and the Ocracoke Township Tourist Development Agency. Additional grants came from the Outer Banks Community Foundation, the Cannon Agency and the Covington Foundation. The project also benefited from the financial and volunteer support of the Ocracoke community and the many individuals who cherish Ocracoke.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10. This event will coincide with the OPS annual fall general membership meeting and a potluck dinner. The event is free and open to everyone.
Prior to that, and Evening in the Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, where attendees can tour the new building, have a refreshment and listen to music by Brooke German.
