28 | Feb/Mar
•
2010
Fine Living
G
rowing up on his grandmother's farm, the golden tobacco fields of
Robeson County were LaVern Oxendine's back yard.
Now it is full of city lights.
"I grew up with the earth around me," he said. "I guess that's
why I chose earth tones when it came to deciding on colors I
wanted for my new home."
And indeed the warm reds, browns and oranges of his loft high above the downtown
streets of Fayetteville recall an earlier time on the farm near Pembroke. Many things
have changed for Oxendine since those childhood days. He is now executive director
of Family Alternatives Inc., a Lumberton agency providing services to people across
southeastern North Carolina with behavioral health needs. Oxendine sees his work
as a mission to children and adults challenged by mental health and developmental
disabilities. In fact, his job keeps him so busy that he decided last summer that it might
be time to give up the house and yard life.
In June, Oxendine moved into 300 Hay, the condominium complex in the heart
of downtown. Walk out onto one of his balconies for a view of Hay Street United
Methodist Church or the businesses and restaurants scattered below. The loft is
surprisingly spacious; with three bedrooms, he is able to have his own office and a
Story by Diane Silcox-Jarrett
Photos by Amy Free
SERENIT Y
Above | LaVern Oxendine has made a
home in downtown Fayetteville thanks
to a little help from his friends, including
designer Lynn Leath.
CIT Y
in the
