Lumberton City Councilman Owen Thomas is in the process of buying the historic Carlyle building in downtown Lumberton.
LUMBERTON — Another downtown Lumberton property is expected to see big changes in the coming months.
The historic Carlyle building, 304 N. Elm St. — the building with the mural on it and next door to Washington’s Men’s Store — is under contract and expected to close in January.
The presumptive new owner, Lumberton Councilman Owen Thomas, said he expects to renovate the 100-plus-year-old building to make it suitable to a retail investor.
“My initial thought is to give the ground floor a complete face lift making it attractive to retail investors,” Thomas told the Robesonian on Thursday. “My initial thought for upstairs is residential use but if a retail investor needs that space, I would consider that too.”
Based on tax department information, the building was constructed in 1910, making it a significant part of Lumberton’s downtown history for more than a century, according to Thomas.
“In 1927, it was acquired by the Carlyle family of Fayetteville,” Thomas said.
The Carlyle’s owned the property for more than 80 years and during this period, the building undoubtedly witnessed many chapters of Lumberton’s growth and change.
In 2011, Taylor Insurance, owned by Dick and Lenore Taylor, purchased the building. The building’s enduring presence downtown is a testament to its strong construction and historic value, according to Thomas.
The new buyer said he is “committed to maintaining the historic charm of the building while ensuring it’s functional and appealing for today’s needs.”
Thomas said he sees the project as a ”catalyst for downtown revitalization. “The building will serve as a model for how historic properties can be repurposed to contribute to the community’s economic and cultural vibrancy,” Thomas said.
He said his new purchase would be his primary project downtown. “However, I’m always open to opportunities that align with my goal to preserve history while fostering economic growth in Lumberton,” Thomas said.
In recent years, downtown Lumberton has seen a resurgence in new investment, including the recent purchase of the historic fire station at North Second and South Elm streets, just south of the Dick Taylor Plaza, which also underwent a major facelift in 2022. That venue continues to draw entertainers and other public events.
Legal Grounds at 219 Elm has also become a draw to downtown with its live music offerings, which has introduced the area to a younger, hip crowd.
If location really is everything in business, Thomas’ neighbor, W.C. Washington reinforces that notion. Washington, who occupies the storefront to the right of the Carlyle building has been in business as Washington’s Men’s Store since 1973.
Washington’s has been an anchor in downtown Lumberton ever since.
“I was the only black-owned store in 1973,” Washington said for a Robesonian story in 2017. “I got good support from all the merchants.”
On Friday, Washington said he continues to see good business from shoppers in the community. While he said he wasn’t aware of his prospective new neighbor, he reassuringly said downtown Lumberton has been a good market with many businesses thriving.
Thomas said he envisions his new enterprise as an important part of downtown Lumberton’s history as well, “transforming it into a space that benefits the entire community.” With a retail space on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floor, Thomas said he expects his new purchase to be another anchor to the downtown district.
His proposed business model is similar to that of Gidget and Tommy Vickers, who own 219 Elm, and recently closed on the historic fire station just south of the Dick Taylor Plaza.
Plans there include turning the main garage into a cafe. Other parts of the building currently include office space and short-term apartment space rentals. Likewise, Thomas said his proposed retail space in the Carlyle building will attract businesses that contribute to the local economy, “while the apartments will bring more residents downtown, fostering a walkable, lively environment.”
“By creating a space that is both livable and business-friendly, I hope to encourage more investment in Lumberton’s historic downtown,” Thomas said. “If all goes to plan, I will make more investments into downtown Lumberton.”
As the latest new investment takes shape, Thomas said it’s a good fit for downtown Lumberton’s metamorphosis.
“Preserving this historic building reflects our commitment to Lumberton’s heritage while embracing its future,” Thomas said.
David Kennard is the executive editor of the Robesonian. Reach him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.
