A significant landmark in downtown New Bern has completed its transformation, as the former Sudan Shriners complex at the corner of Broad and East Front streets has been fully demolished. After being acquired by Craven County government, the historic 40,000 square-foot building, which had stood since 1951, was reduced to its foundation in June 2026, making way for new county parking and future downtown initiatives.
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Craven County has invested $6 million in acquiring the land and an additional $2.8 million in the demolition of this once-prominent structure, which had been vacant and flood-damaged since Hurricane Florence in 2018. The cleared site, including former parking lots and a valuable riverfront parcel, is slated to become essential parking for the County Administration and Court Facilities Complex. This move is a strategic step towards modernizing downtown infrastructure, addressing critical parking needs, and potentially opening doors for further revitalization efforts in our cherished historic district.
As New Bern continues to evolve, these developments shape our landscape and daily lives. We encourage all residents to stay engaged with local progress and lend their support to initiatives that build a stronger, more vibrant community for Y’all. Support New Bern is committed to bringing you the stories that matter most to our city.
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