The Southern Pines Town Council received multiple municipal updates at its recent Tuesday meeting, including progress on the new town hall and a speakeasy-style bar.
Council Approves Lease for Seaboard Speakeasy Project
The council voted unanimously to approve the lease for the Seaboard Speakeasy, a Prohibition‑themed bar planned for the former 305 Trackside event space, owned by local entrepreneur Kevin Drum.
Though details weren’t discussed at the meeting, a glimpse of the project’s vibe can be found online.
“Legend has it that the Southern Pines stop was a key waystation on a quiet underground network known among the railroad men as ‘the Bootleggers’ Line,’” touts the speakeasy’s website. “Now, a hundred years later, the Seaboard Speakeasy reclaims that spirit. Where once the freight men stacked crates of contraband, guests now gather over craft cocktails and candlelight. The piano plays again. The laughter returns.”
Work is expected to begin at the building around April 1, with a target opening date of June 1. The lease sets rent at $1,000 per month during the upfit period, increasing to $3,000 once the business opens. Council members agreed to add a 3% annual rent increase beginning in the third year, pending approval.
Council member Bob Curtin asked about potential impacts related to alcohol service, including police response and safety. However, since the building previously operated as an event venue with alcohol service, the police chief reportedly has no concerns.
“This is normal business to them,” said Cameron, noting that ABC licensing requires multiple town signatures and routine review. “They don’t see this is being an issue. You wouldn’t have any other bar downtown if they did.”
Council members also asked about community feedback, and learned that strong public interest was reported during earlier open‑house sessions.
Town Hall Renovation Progresses Toward Summer Move‑In
Regarding the new town hall, Assistant Town Manager and Fire Chief Mike Cameron reported that work is progressing, but several construction challenges remain. Exterior repairs are complete, and entryway upgrades are about halfway finished as the town awaits door frames, hardware, and access‑control components.
Staff is still working through design issues caused by incomplete building plans and newly discovered structural supports. Electrical routing and technology placement remain active problem‑solving areas.
Despite the hurdles, Cameron said a June 1 move‑in remains achievable. Staff plans to relocate employees in phases, beginning with the upper floors to ensure IT systems, copiers, phones, and servers are fully functional before public‑facing departments move.
The town is also preparing a communications campaign to notify residents when services such as water billing and inspections shift to the new location.
With the move approaching, the council held its first discussion on whether to lease, sell, or repurpose the existing Administration and Finance buildings. Both structures are town assets, meaning the council—not the Historic District Commission—controls their disposition.
Parks and Recreation and the library have reportedly both expressed interest in using the Administration building for programming or a potential teen center if the town chooses to retain it. Mayor Clement said selling the buildings could return them to the tax rolls and allow private owners to benefit from historic tax credits the town cannot use.
Other Business
Water & Sewer Asset Management Plan: Engineers provided a comprehensive assessment showing overall strong system condition, outlined CIP priorities, and requested adoption to close out state grant requirements.
American 250 Patriots Marker Proposal: Representatives from Daughters of the American Revolution requested support to install two commemorative markers at the new Town Hall.
FY26 Mid‑Year Financial Update: Finance staff detailed property tax collections, sales tax growth, and healthy general fund and water/sewer balances.
Council Roundtable Items: Council members discussed grants, downtown engagement ideas, traffic and safety concerns, infrastructure topics, and a proposal to raise the water reconnect fee.
Feature photo: Seaboard Speakeasy, a Prohibition‑themed bar, is planned for the former 305 Trackside event space. Photo by Joseph Hill Photography via the 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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