Originally constructed in
1920, J.S. Mann’s Department Store has been the core of downtown
Whiteville, North Carolina for 82 years. A devastating fire in 1999
destroyed the building leaving only the exterior walls and some upstairs
rooms. The owners wished to restore the building to its original state
without spending a fortune. Challenges included working in one of the
busiest parts of the downtown area, and having 30 foot exterior brick
walls with no support after the fire. The state approved closing a turn
lane at the intersection in front of the building so a covered walkway
could be built to protect pedestrians. The standing walls were braced
with steel and wood until the roof could be installed. The total area
involved was over 7,000 square feet. The building has been restored to
its original beauty and it is again the flagship of the downtown
business sector.
