Historic Shallotte Property Finds New Life as Restaurant Concept
Brunswick County continues to see thoughtful commercial investment, especially when it comes to properties with deep community roots. One recent transaction highlights how historic preservation and commercial opportunity can align in a meaningful way.
The Rourk House, a nearly century-old residence located along Village Road in Shallotte, has officially changed hands and is set for a new chapter. The 1927-era property, which sits on approximately 2.4 acres, was sold to local entrepreneurs Mandy and Aubrey Faatz, who plan to repurpose the home for hospitality and restaurant use while preserving its historic character.
A Transaction Rooted in Community and Legacy
For generations, the Rourk House remained in the same family, serving as both a private residence and a recognizable landmark within the Shallotte community. When the decision was made to sell, there was a clear priority: finding a buyer who valued the property’s history while recognizing its long-term commercial potential.
Kelly Stuart of Carolinas Commercial, a real estate team within Sun Coast Partners Commercial, represented the Rourk family estate in the sale.
According to Stuart, the marketing and sale of the property required a thoughtful approach that honored its deep roots in the community while identifying a path forward for meaningful commercial use.
“Historic properties like the Rourk House don’t come to market often in Brunswick County,” Stuart said. “This wasn’t just about finding a buyer—it was about finding the right buyer. One who understood the zoning, recognized the site’s commercial potential, and most importantly, respected the history and heart behind it.”
Why This Matters for the Commercial Real Estate Market
This transaction reflects a broader trend across North Carolina and the US: adaptive reuse. As the markets grow, buyers are increasingly seeking unique properties that can serve multiple purposes, such as restaurants, boutique lodging, event spaces, or mixed-use concepts.
Properties like the Rourk House stand out because they offer:
- Strong visibility in established corridors
- Large acreage, uncommon for historic homes
- Architectural character that cannot be replicated
- Flexibility for hospitality, dining, and event-driven uses
Rather than seeing historic homes as limitations, today’s buyers are viewing them as differentiators.
Plans for the Property
The new owners bring experience in construction, remodeling, and event-based businesses, which positions them well for a long-term, phased redevelopment. Early plans include a full-service restaurant concept, with potential for additional features such as overnight accommodations, specialty retail, or outdoor gathering areas.
Importantly, the existing structure is expected to remain intact, with future improvements designed to complement the original home rather than alter it.
The owners have expressed a long-term vision, acknowledging that permitting, design, and engineering take time, especially for properties of this nature. Their goal is to create a destination that feels both new and familiar to the Shallotte community.
A Signal of Continued Investment Confidence
The sale of the Rourk House highlights the continued interest in thoughtfully reimagined commercial properties in Shallotte and reflects growing confidence in Brunswick County’s emerging submarkets.
Adaptive reuse projects like this often act as catalysts, encouraging additional investment nearby and reinforcing the value of preserving local history within modern commercial development.
“It was truly an honor to represent the estate in the sale of the Rourk House, and even more meaningful to work closely with a family that has contributed so much to the fabric of Shallotte,” said Kelly Stuart, Broker-in-Charge at Sun Coast Partners Commercial. “We approached this listing with great care, knowing how important it was to find a buyer who would both understand the commercial potential of the property and respect the Rourk family’s legacy. I’m grateful we were able to achieve that.”
At SCP Commercial, we continue to see strong demand for distinctive commercial properties that blend location, story, and long-term potential. Transactions like the Rourk House are a reminder that commercial success does not always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, it means building thoughtfully on what already exists.
Thank you to Wilmington Biz for highlighting this property in their recent article: Rourk House Set For Restaurant Reuse