Town of Mocksville Acquires Key Downtown Property for Development
The Town of Mocksville has purchased the largest single-owner property in downtown Mocksville. It will soon begin soliciting ideas from residents for its best uses to encourage downtown development and expansion.
The town acquired the 5.08 acres of properties owned by Energy United for $1,985,000. The property extends north from Sanford Avenue along S. Salisbury Street and ends behind Cognition. It does not include the Davie County Chamber Chamber of Commerce, Davie Community Foundation, or Cognition buildings. It does include the Energy United Education Center (3,102 SF) and the old Energy United business office (4,833 SF), along with the former sites of Junker’s Mill and the cotton gin.
Grant-Funded Purchase to Enhance Community Facilities
The Town secured a grant covering the entire purchase price for the property and additional funds to remodel the Education Center, which will serve as an overflow location for Town Board meetings and a training center.
“With this acquisition, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our downtown, and we couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities it holds,” said Town Manager Ken Gamble, noting that the existing residential area, businesses, and government buildings have constrained downtown growth.
“The Board of Commissioners believes that this is a unique opportunity to expand our downtown with facilities/amenities that will be a draw to our community for years to come. Not having to raise taxes or secure debt will allow us to have a robust vision of what we can do with the property. We are at the very beginning of the planning process and will consider all ideas to determine what will best suit our needs and growing population.”
Planning for Community-Driven Development
The Town’s interest in the property goes back to 2019 when the Town and Davie County Economic Development engaged the UNC School of Government Development Finance Initiative (DFI) to study the 1.34-acre Junker’s Mill site. Energy United decided in 2021 to place the entire 5.08 acres on the market, but the purchase price was outside of what the Town was willing to consider. The Town also had serious concerns regarding the condition of the Junker’s Mill and old cotton gin buildings. Energy United ended up demolishing both buildings but could not identify a buyer. The Town began negotiations with Energy United in late 2023 and closed on the property this month.
Initially, the Town will lease the fenced-in pole yard to Energy United and allow them continued access to the Education Center for training sessions.
Alignment with Mocksville’s Comprehensive Plan
This acquisition aligns well with Mocksville’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan, emphasizing downtown development, housing, and recreational enhancements. A community survey identified key priorities: reusing old buildings, downtown development, housing, and parks and recreation.
Exploring Potential Uses
The Town’s comprehensive plan suggests several potential uses for the property:
- Indoor event center
- Farmer’s market
- Public art gallery and theater
- Second- and third-story apartments
- New townhomes and live-work units
Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin expressed enthusiasm for resident input and collaboration with development consultants, emphasizing the rare opportunity to influence downtown growth on such a scale.
“The Energy United parcel makes up much of our “Downtown Mocksville” footprint. It is rare for a municipality to have the opportunity to control the development of this much vacant land in the downtown area,” Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin remarked. “We look forward to hearing our citizens’ ideas for future development and working with a consultant specializing in attracting private developers. Through conservative fiscal planning and a strong vision for the future – the town leaders have been able to plant this seed that future citizens of our great town will enjoy in the years ahead. I am looking forward to all the possibilities before us in the town of Mocksville!”
Gamble agreed, adding, “The long-term vision for the property will be very intentional. We are eager to hear from our valued community members, staff, and consultants on the best long-term uses for this property. We will also look at what other communities have done in their downtowns and see if any of those examples resonate with this acreage and space.”
He anticipates that the development process will take a year or two to determine the best use for the property. “We want to ensure that the final plans are consistent with the Board’s vision for downtown and fit the community’s needs.”
Call to Action for Mocksville Residents
While the Town will develop a formal survey and offer public comment opportunities moving forward, Gamble invites residents to begin sharing their ideas with him at kgamble@mocksvillenc.gov or by leaving a message at 336-753-6701.
