Community Foundation Flat Top Sold to Town of Southern Shores
Dear friends,
I have some exciting news to share. At the Town of Southern Shores Council meeting on April 4, the Council announced its acquisition of the Outer Banks Community Foundation office located at 13 Skyline Road. The Town’s purchase of our property will not only continue to honor the legacy of the 1953 Frank Stick-built flat-top building, but it will also preserve the architectural style that Southern Shores is known for. We are particularly delighted that the wishes of the donors who gifted their home to us in 2007 will be met.
The following is a joint statement that the Town of Southern Shores and Outer Banks Community Foundation released today:
The Town of Southern Shores is pleased to announce the purchase of 13 Skyline Road, a property originally owned by Frank Stick, which adjoins our town governmental campus. Now housing the Outer Banks Community Foundation office, this unique property includes one of the oldest “flat-top” homes in Southern Shores. The home, built in 1953 by Frank Stick, is celebrated as the “first cottage on the dune” and is an outstanding example of the architectural style of homes that was prominent and distinctive when Southern Shores was founded in 1979.
The Town is also grateful to be part of an effort to fulfill the wishes of the donors who originally gifted the home to the Community Foundation by maintaining non-profit use and ownership. In 2016, the Town Council formed the Historic Landmark Commission to promote the preservation of historic homes such as this one, and the Town considers itself fortunate to take ownership of this historic flat top and honor the Frank Stick legacy.
This purchase expands the Town’s footprint in the government and institution zoning district and positions us well for future growth. The property provides the Town with many potential short and long term opportunities, including addressing an urgent need to attract police officers by providing a temporary housing option while the new officer seeks a permanent home. The Town will seek input from the community in establishing long range possibilities for this historic property.
We have been honored to be part of the Southern Shores community during one of the most exciting periods of growth in our organization’s history. We are so thankful that the Town of Southern Shores will be the stewards of the next chapter of this wonderful property.
The property was donated to the Community Foundation in 2007 and has served as our primary office for over fifteen years. After the sale of the building to the Town, we will relocate our headquarters to the former Southern Bank building on Roanoke Island.
Continuing support for 13 Skyline Road is important to all of us. The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors created the Flat Top Preservation Fund in 2009 to provide an enduring source of funding for the preservation of 13 Skyline Road. We will continue to manage the Flat Top Preservation Fund to benefit the building. Our physical location may change as our mission grows, but a very special part of us will always be in Southern Shores.
Please contact me directly if you’d like to know more about our new office or our emerging partnership with the Town of Southern Shores for the preservation of our beloved flat top.
Warmest regards,
Chris
