Photo by Catherine Hardee / Neuse News

A long-time home for Kinston doctors will be getting a new lease on life as a retail center.

The Kinston Clinic South facility at 400 Glenwood Ave. is under new ownership, and big plans are in store. Linda and J. Ward McConnell, Jr., owners of the Bentley Bed & Breakfast, purchased the property in September from the group of 25 doctors that owned it. Linda McConnell said their interest in the property was very recent.

The McConnells first considered purchasing the property in early September, when they received a phone call offering them the opportunity. Since they already owned one of the parking lots, it was a natural fit, and Linda McConnell was convinced to make on offer on it because she said it has so much potential.

That potential has McConnell very excited for the future. Renovations and restoration have already begun on the property, and that has the current tenants excited. Jasmine Smith, who works at a mental health agency located there, said the parking lot had recently been resurfaced and landscaping improvements have also begun.

“It needs a touch up, (but) it will be good if new businesses come,” she said.

What those new businesses will be is still to be determined, but Linda McConnell has big plans. She hopes to attract different types of retail establishments, as well as new occupants for office space; she envisions a burgeoning mix of retail and offices. Her ideas include a sandwich shop, bookstore, coffee shop and potentially a florist. She also hopes to host a pop-up holiday store, selling decorations and Christmas trees.

McConnell is inspired by sights she sees elsewhere.

“I visit other towns, and I think, why can’t we have that? I think of the wonderful things we could have in Kinston,” she said.

The redevelopment of the Kinston Clinic South is still in its first stages, but the McConnells believe it will live up to its potential and provide a boost to the community.