Final designs unveiled for the Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration in Carteret County

[Courtesy N.C. Coastal Federation]

The North Carolina Coastal Federation is unveiling the final architectural designs for the new Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration this Friday in Carteret County.

This new coastal center will include a 4,500 square-foot Education and Event Center, a classroom for student groups, a Resource Center that will house the Coastal Federation, and a 10-acre campus featuring outdoor classrooms, nature trails, and coastal experiences.

Located on the western end of Carteret County between Cedar Point and Morehead City, the Center will provide meeting space and learning experiences for local residents, visitors, businesses, and community groups.

The North Carolina Coastal Federation is a non-profit organization working to protect and restore North Carolina’s coastal habitats and water quality. The Federation is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. “We’re thrilled to celebrate 40 years of protecting and restoring the coast, while also laying a strong foundation for the next 40 years through this new Center,” said Development Director Sarah King.

The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration was designed by architect Chip Hemingway of Bowman, Murray, Hemingway Architects in Wilmington. “The Coastal Federation has an incredibly strong connection to both our coastal environment and our coastal communities, “said Hemingway. “It’s important that the campus and the buildings reflect that mission by embracing and showcasing the natural beauty of the site.”

The Center for Coastal Protection and Restoration will also reflect the Federation’s commitment to protecting coastal habitat and water quality and will showcase many sustainable development features. The site includes several conservation areas, where wetlands and native plants will be protected, as well as a living shoreline, a cost-effective shoreline stabilization approach that also provides coastal habitat and protects water quality.

The site will also feature techniques to eliminate stormwater runoff and protect water quality such as innovative pavement alternatives, rain gardens, and more. The buildings are oriented to capture the prevailing summer winds, while deep porches will provide gathering space and shade from the summer sun.

“This Center provides is a wonderful opportunity to showcase coastal resilience strategies, “said Federation Director Todd Miller. “That includes everything from living shorelines, to nature-based stormwater strategies, to sustainable building practices.”

The Federation has raised over $5 million through a capital campaign for the new Center, which has a total price tag of $6.5 million. The Federation aims to break ground on the new Center in 2023.