Take a trip down to Carolina Beach and you'll see several places that have been part of the area for years.
While the beach town has lost a number of historic structures in recent decades, including the Carolina Beach drugstore building in 2022, several hotels and apartment buildings remain.
In the early 2000s, one of the newer ones was undergoing a transformation while looking to keep some of its original space intact. Or at least keeping it within view.
According to a story in the Sept. 27, 2003, StarNews, a 12-unit motel building was pulled across South Lake Park Boulevard in Carolina Beach. The building was part of the Golden Sands Motel complex at 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd.
The move was needed to accommodate a seven-story, 64-room oceanfront expansion. While across the road, the 12-unit building would continue as motel space.
A small group gathered on Sept. 26, 2003, to watch a moving company out of Wilmington take the structure to its new home feet away from its original spot.
Both the building across the road and the Golden Sands remain today. The moved building is now Sea Mist Condominiums. The Golden Sands includes the popular Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar, which was named one of USA TODAY’s Bars of the Year in 2024.
Owen Hassell is the local news editor for the StarNews. You can reach him at ohassell@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: From the archives: A 'Golden' Carolina Beach motel moves across the road
