The Southern Pines Town Council spent nearly four hours Tuesday night debating future development projects, infrastructure planning, and long-term budgeting. The council reviewed several proposals for development in the area, including proposed changes at Tyler’s Ridge and a potential Mavis Tire location in Morganton Park South.
One of the night’s first major discussions centered on an architectural compliance permit for Lot 9 in the Tyler’s Ridge development.
The request, submitted by trustee James B. O’Malley, seeks approval for a 4,000-square-foot single-story retail building on a triangular parcel between older portions of Tyler’s Ridge and newer development surrounding Ace Hardware.
Recent developments at Tyler’s Ridge, which is named for O’Malley’s son, include Wisco Taco Foxtrot and the newly opened ABC store and warehouse.
The proposal requires approval because the building’s orientation and exterior materials do not fully comply with the town’s unified development ordinance.
Plans presented to the council indicate that the project represents “the final piece” of the remaining Tyler’s Ridge property and describe efforts to balance older commercial development with newer construction nearby.
The lot as seen in the official meeting agenda.
The proposal highlighted tree buffers preserved during earlier negotiations over the site and said the project team worked with town staff to maintain a transition between the older shopping center and newer development.
After deliberation over finer project details, the council ultimately approved the architectural compliance permit.
The council later moved into evidentiary hearings for two closely watched commercial projects.
One hearing focused on a special use permit request to expand the former JFR Barn property at 305 Rothney Ave., commonly known as “The Barn.”
The official narrative, as presented by Southern Pines planning staff, describes that the first floor of the business will offer a “restaurant/event center featuring a superfood-infused cafe offering ultra-healthy pizza, drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and other food/beverage options.”
The second floor will be used for expanded event and dining capacity.
The proposal includes two 26‑by‑60‑foot pole barns for outdoor dining and events, a custom‑painted 40‑foot CONEX container for art and storage, new landscaping and hardscape features, fire pits, a water feature, an eight‑foot privacy fence around the Barnyard area, a redesigned deck, and a new exterior staircase for second‑floor egress.
Planning staff explained that the proposal will rehabilitate a “blighted” commercial property, improve utilities and fire access, and support economic activity by reestablishing the site as a restaurant and event venue.
After hearing the plan, the council approved a special use permit.
Finally, the council also revisited and subsequently approved a preliminary development plan for a proposed Mavis Tire location in the Morganton Park South development.
According to the company’s website, Mavis provides “complete tire services, oil changes, brakes, alignments, and general automotive repair.” It’s currently one of the largest independent automotive service and tire retailers in the U.S., operating over 3,500 locations across the East Coast, South, and Midwest.
Photos via Town of Southern Pines.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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