Location: Manteo, NC
Projected Start Date: Winter 2025
Expected Completion: TBD
Estimated Cost: Approximately $42 million
Project Overview:
This project includes a series of significant upgrades and renovations to the Dare County Public Works Department's facility in Manteo. During this project, the Dare County Public Works facility located on Driftwood Drive in Manteo will be completely reconstructed, with a brand-new and redesigned facility slated to take its place.
The site plan that was proposed by Oakley Collier Architects was designed to place all of the public services at this location—such as administrative services and recycling drop-off containers—at the front of the new facility in an area that is easily accessible to the public. The remaining portions of the new facility will be constructed behind a security gate in order to ensure public safety by prohibiting citizens from gaining access to potentially dangerous working areas.
This part of the project includes the construction of a brand-new 5,000-square-foot administration building, 19,500-square-foot fleet maintenance division, 16,300-square-foot facility maintenance division, 9,100-square-foot recycling division, 2,600-square-foot turf maintenance division and a 5,600-square-foot mosquito control unit.
In addition to the reconstruction of the Dare County Public Works facility on Driftwood Drive in Manteo, all of the other existing buildings located at the Driftwood Drive facility will be demolished.
Dare County Public Works personnel will continue to perform operations at these facilities while the construction is taking place to ensure there is no interruption in the services that are provided to Dare County citizens.
Please Note: This information is subject to change due to a variety of factors. Updated information for these projects will be posted once it becomes available.
For more information about the Dare County Public Works Department, please visit DareNC.gov/PublicWorks.
January 5, 2026 Update for Dare County Public Works (Manteo Facility):
The Dare County Board of Commissioners voted to pause the reconstruction of the Dare County Public Works Department facility located on Driftwood Drive in Manteo until required approval is received from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The project will include the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a modern, redesigned complex. While the project is otherwise ready to begin, Dare County Manager Bobby Outten reported that FAA approval has not yet been granted. Dare County is working with the N.C. Department of Transportation Aviation Division to address the outstanding issues. The Dare County Public Works department will continue operations to ensure uninterrupted service to residents.
June 23, 2025 Update for Dare County Public Works (Manteo Facility):
Public Works Manteo has been designed and is now in the constructability phase with Barnhill Contracting Company in which 3-D modeling will be used to ensure the building functions as it was designed to do so. Barnhill currently expects construction of the new facility to begin in early 2026. More detailed information will be posted once it becomes available.
March 28, 2025 Update for Dare County Public Works (Manteo Facility):
Public Works Manteo has been designed and is now in the constructability phase with Barnhill Contracting Company. During this phase, 3-D modeling will be used to ensure the building functions as it was designed to do so. Barnhill currently expects construction of the new facility to begin in early 2026.
March 12, 2025 Update for Dare County Public Works (Manteo Facility):
Barnhill Contracting Company has been selected as the “Phase III New Construction” construction manager at risk for Dare County. The Dare County Public Works Department’s facility in Manteo has been designed and is currently in the constructability phase with Barnhill. During this phase, 3D modeling will be used to ensure the building functions as it was designed to do so.
September 1, 2024 Update - Manteo & Buxton Facilities:
Programming and design work for the renovation and reconstruction of Dare County’s Public Works facilities in Manteo and Buxton continues. Updates will be posted on this page as additional information becomes available.
July 31, 2024 Update - Manteo & Buxton Facilities:
Projects planned to take place at the Dare County Public Works facility located on Driftwood Drive in Manteo and Buxton Transfer Station have been approved. Contracts are in the process of being approved and signed, and design work will follow. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
