By Nicole Bowman-Layton

Edenton is experiencing a wave of new residential and commercial development as 2026 begins, with housing opportunities, downtown business expansion, and historic preservation projects all moving forward simultaneously.

Ryan Homes Brings New Cottages to Colonial Village

Ryan Homes is set to construct approximately several single-family homes in the established Colonial Village subdivision, with availability expected in February 2026. According to Dewayne Whealton, Assistant Town Manager and Town Liaison to the Planning Board, the homes will be built within the existing subdivision located inside Edenton town limits, along Coke Avenue, near the Yeopim Road intersection.

The new cottages will feature 2-3 bedrooms with up to 1,326 square feet of living space. Starting price will be in the mid $200,000. These homes are designed with open-concept floor plans and include main-level living options with first-floor owner’s suite configurations, according to Ryan Homes.

Each cottage comes equipped with modern kitchens featuring spacious islands and all major appliances included — range, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator — eliminating significant upfront costs for buyers. Owner’s suites include walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms.

Ryan Homes is accepting interest list sign-ups through their website –https://www.ryanhomes.com/new-homes/communities/10222120152947/north-carolina/edenton/colonialvillage – for those seeking early access to floor plans, homesite selection, and private tours.

Edenton Commons Development Moving Forward

The Edenton Preservation Commission will review proposed improvements to Edenton Commons, LLC at 213 S. Broad St. during its Jan. 12, 2026 meeting at 1:15 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers.

Edenton Commons LLC is developing the building as a mixed-use project in the heart of historic downtown Edenton. The building originally served as the Belk Tyler department store in the 1970s and 1980s, and more recently operating as Gordman’s before that retailer closed.

The two-story building encompasses approximately 8,800 square feet per floor and features architectural elements such as high ceilings (20 feet on the first floor, 15 feet on the second), a working elevator, and views of Edenton Bay from the roof.

According to plans reviewed by town officials in 2024, the development will convert the first floor into commercial retail space while transforming the second floor into hospitality residential suites – adding to the mixed-use developments in Edenton’s downtown district.

The planned improvements currently before the Preservation Commission include exterior lighting enhancements and a new egress door, signaling that the project is moving forward with its transformation from vacant retail space into an active contributor to downtown’s economic vitality.

The Preservation Commission reviews all exterior modifications to properties within Edenton’s historic district to ensure changes are appropriate to the character and architectural integrity of the area.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will also consider several residential projects including a new garage construction at 109 West King Street and handrail installation at 209 East King Street.

For the commission’s meeting agenda, click here.

Top Notch Floors Returns

Top Notch Floors, a flooring service in Edenton known for its especially for its work with hardwood, is returning.

Owner Matt Priest recently made the announcement on the company’s Facebook site. “I admit it. I was wrong. I thought I could just walk away … Top Notch Floors is back in business!!! Life is too short not to do what you were made to do. I found that this year that you can change your mind.”

Many of the company’s former clients welcomed the news. We’re also glad to see the must-needed business return.

Bayside Bakery & Boards Opening in February

Also in February, downtown Edenton will soon be filled with the aroma of fresh-baked goods as Bayside Bakery & Boards prepares to open its doors on Feb. 4.

The new bakery will be at 401 S. Broad St., the corner of South Broad Street and East King St. It is the former site of the Corner Baking Company, which closed in late November. Our daughter misses their tiramisu.

Tyrrell County residents Patrick and Heather Sexton, who live in Bulls Bay, are bringing Heather’s baking expertise – over 30 years – to Edenton’s food scene. The shop will feature bread and other baked goods.

We’re looking forward to the addition of the new bakery. For several years, we’ve lived close to a bakery. The smell of freshly baked bread coming from a shop is divine and memorable. Our kids, who were very, very young at the time, still reminisce about walks to the bakery for giant, freshly baked cookies and warm, delicious loaves of bread that were light and airy in the middle with a nice crunchy crust.

While we plan to post updates on all this information, you can also check out the Bayside Bakery’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585872273821 .