New owners plan to convert vacant grocery into a youth center

Shawn and Donna Matthews are the proud new owners of the former Valle’s Produce Market at 1085 S. Water Street.
The rural Wilmington couple purchased the property, in part, to establish a youth center. Shawn Matthews spoke of his plans for the building.
Though the deal has not yet been finalized, the Matthews are currently working with a Christian youth group to administer programs for teens. He said the group is enthusiastic, but since contracts have not yet been signed, Matthews cannot share the name of the organization.
“We just see that the kids nowadays––not just Wilmington kids––don't have the same self-confidence we did. They’re staring at their phone, and don’t seem to have goals,” Matthews said. “When I was a kid, I had confidence, and knew what I wanted. I kept a picture of a Camaro in my locker to remind me of what I wanted.”
Matthews, 64, spoke at length about offering a program to assist high school–– and possibly junior high––students in building confidence as well as setting and reaching goals.
“The number one thing that we wanted to give them is a place where they can grow and learn self-confidence,” Matthews said. “In a way, it just prepares them for life.”
Matthews said the youth center won’t happen overnight, as the former grocery store will require extensive remodeling. The timeframe will depend on just how much renovating will be required.
“The building is not going to look like it does now,” he said. “It’s going to be quite an extensive renovation. I think the remodel job’s going to cost more than the building itself did.”
In addition to modernizing the building, Matthews plans to install restrooms on the main floor and create a modern facade.
“If we can do something to make it look a little more, 21st century, we’re in,” Matthews said. “The hardware store has been modernized, but the other buildings in the plaza are a bit dated. We want to go for a modern look, bring something new to town.”
Matthews acknowledged that the planned youth center will not require the entire building. At this point, the Matthews aren’t certain what to do with the remaining space.
“The building is bigger than what we thought, and we need to utilize the other space,” Matthew said. “We're bouncing around a few ideas as far as what else we can put in there that the town would support and appreciate. We want the place to be an asset to Wilmington.”