In recent years, the small town of East Spencer, North Carolina, has embarked on a remarkable renaissance driven by new home construction efforts. This once-stagnant town has embraced development, leading to revitalization, growth, and a renewed sense of community pride.
For over a decade, East Spencer did not witness a single new home being built or sold, leaving many residents—among them, lifelong community member Reginald Weeks Sr.—concerned about the town’s future.
Weeks stayed in the historically Black town despite its economic struggles, which left it depressed in many aspects. He recently shared, “Things are really improving, and that is largely due to the hard work of the mayor and council.” However, he emphasized that home builders also deserve recognition for their contributions.
The establishment of a strategic partnership between the local government and a values-driven developer sparked a significant transformation, bringing new families and opportunities to the area.
Mayor Barbara Mallett has been a driving force behind this revitalization initiative. “We’ve been waiting for years. We planned for this by improving our water and sewer systems, better zoning, and code enforcement. We did everything we could to be ready when the time came,” Mallett stated. “We have positioned ourselves for this growth.”
It wasn’t until she met John Lambert that all the dreaming and planning began to turn into reality. When Lambert met with Mallett, a six-time mayor and pillar of the community, to discuss potential opportunities, she urged him, “Just give us a chance.”
Inspired by their meeting, Lambert returned to his executive team with a strong belief that they could help address the community’s needs. He requested funding to purchase land within the town limits, a request that was granted. “This was a substantial move forward, especially since I had been warned not to buy land in the town,” Lambert noted.
In a local news interview, Lambert elaborated on his motivations: “We are driven by our values. We believe it is time for East Spencer to shine. There is a rich history and legacy in this town. We are honored to play a small part in generating fresh interest and momentum for the community while addressing the critical need for quality modern workforce housing in the area.” He also acknowledged that when he first considered East Spencer, it was “far from ideal for new home builders.” However, the lack of activity and the impression that the town had been “passed over” captivated him. Tapping into his background as a minister and missionary, he reflected, “I have an attraction sometimes to places other people overlook.”
What began as an intentional effort driven by faith has led to even greater momentum for the town’s economic revitalization. “We now have more than 100 homes either newly constructed or undergoing renovations,” said Town Manager Michael Douglas. Additionally, the town has addressed numerous nuisance properties, placing liens on those whose owners were unwilling to bring them up to code.
Local businesses are also benefiting from new construction as an influx of residents creates increased demand for services. It has been uplifting for many to witness new families moving into the area and becoming integral parts of the community. The new homes have fostered a strong sense of community and pride.
As East Spencer continues to grow and evolve, the positive impact of new home construction is evident. It has ignited economic development, strengthened community ties, and breathed fresh life into a town eager to embrace the future.
Through the ongoing efforts of leaders like Mayor Mallett and private partners willing to take a chance, East Spencer serves as a model for other towns facing similar challenges. Their journey exemplifies how investing in community and infrastructure can lead to renewal. The story of East Spencer transcends mere home-building; it represents the realization of dreams for its residents, one foundation at a time.
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