Due for a Tune-Up?

The corner of Northwest Broad Street and Connecticut Avenue has seen a lot of mileage as Doug’s Auto Center. Local developer Andy Bleggi thinks it has the potential to house a three-level, 40,000-square-foot building.

A “very preliminary” proposal presented to the Southern Pines Historic Commission detailed plans that include 11 condos ranging between 600 to 2,000 square feet, with underground parking. The first floor would house a restaurant, grocer, butcher and small cafe.

“Our idea was this would be a new end-point for the town, kind of like ‘finalize’ the downtown,” Andy told the commission. He also said the design would “blend in,” with all brick or stucco using muted colors.

Doug’s Auto Garage is expected to operate under an existing lease for the next few years, so the proposed plan might never come to fruition. You know what to do — stay tuned.