The Outer Banks Voice - Plan calls for Waterfront Shops in Duck to expand southward

Plan calls for Waterfront Shops in Duck to expand southward

By Michelle Wagner on November 16, 2014

Four shops would be added on the south side. (Dare County GIS)

A plan to expand the Waterfront Shops in Duck has received the blessing of town planners and will next go before Town Council.

The popular downtown shopping center along the Currituck Sound is home to the Blue Point restaurant and more than a dozen shops, including North Beach Outfitters and Donna Designs.

Owner Jim Braithwaite of Allis Holdings LLC is proposing three modest shops and one smaller one to be constructed along the western side of the pond on the southern portion of the complex.

If approved, the 3,840 square feet of elevated retail space will be erected on about one-third of an acre of wetlands slated to be filled under a Coastal Area Management Act permit.

Duck Planning Director Joe Heard said that a new access drive off of Duck Road along with a 24-space parking lot would be built to the south of Stan White Realty to accommodate the additional retail shops.

Meanwhile, the existing access drive on the Stan White Realty property will be eliminated, according to the plans. The new access drive will be about 90 feet to the south.

An elevated wooden walkway would extend from the proposed buildings across the pond and to Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books, as well as to the existing shopping center to the west. Developers also propose a pergola on the walkway near the center of the pond.

First constructed in 1986, the Waterfront Shops now include quaint stores along the boardwalk on the Currituck Sound. Along with the upscale Blue Point, it is also home to Coastal Cantina, Barr-ee Station and Sea Dragon Gallery.

The 6 acres of land wrap around the Stan White Realty property as well as three sides of Tommy’s Market farther to the north. It falls in the town’s Village Commercial zone.

To the south, it abuts the Dare County water tower.

Heard said the town’s Planning Board was pleased with the design during Wednesday’s meeting. The next step, he said, is for public hearing will be set at council’s Dec. 3 meeting.