Washburn Marina Updates

The Town of Lake Lure is excited to share the encouraging progress at Washburn Marina.  Water has begun returning to the marina basin as you can see from this photo. This is an important milestone in the ongoing recovery and rebuilding process following Hurricane Helene.

There are three projects taking place in the Washburn Marina at this time. 

1) Washburn Marina Building

• The previous small marina building has been removed due to the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene.
• The Town is working with Peacock Architects on a design for a permanent building that will be in keeping with the Mediterranean architecture in the area. 
• An illustration of the future building is included below and will include retail space, restrooms, storage areas, and a pavilion.
• The Town is working to acquire a temporary building that will be used in the 2026 season while the permanent structure is built.
• Permitting is currently in progress for this temporary building.

2) Washburn Marina Tour Boat Docks and Fueling Station

• New docks are being built for the tour boats, in the same location as they were previously located.
• You can see the new construction in these photos above. 
• A new fueling station will be incorporated on the left side of the marina building when facing the water from the parking lot.
• These docks and the fueling station are targeted for completion by May 2026. 
• The boat ramp in this area will also be available for use once the lake reopens. 

3) Floating Boardwalk and Docks

• Reconstruction work has begun on the Washburn Marina docks and floating boardwalk, with a target completion date of mid-July 2026.
• Some phases of construction require the lake to reach full pond level before work can be completed.
• Current projections anticipate the lake returning to full pond by late May 2026, which supports the July completion timeline.
• Visitors may notice new dock sections currently being constructed in the marina parking lot and the base of the floating boardwalk is in place in the lake near Memorial Highway.
• The rebuilt marina will include 208 seasonal boat slips along with 6 Daily Rental Slips (4 day minimum rentals), and 6 - free 2.5 hour boat rental slips (first come, first serve). 
• All slip assignments remain as they were in 2024.
• There is a wait list for the seasonal boat slips.  Send an email to inquire about the mailing list.
• The new Washburn Marina and Floating Boardwalk design will closely replicate the previous layout, preserving the look and character of the marina that the community knows and loves.  

Additional Information

• Town officials are still awaiting determinations from FEMA regarding the future of Town Hall.  Updates on this facility will be shared as soon as additional information becomes available.  Town Hall and the Police Department are temporarily located at The Landings, 920 Buffalo Creek Road, lake Lure, NC 28746.
• The Welcome Center has been removed and will not be replaced at this time.

We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we continue rebuilding and restoring the places that make Lake Lure special.

For more information, read the latest Town News.