From the archives: When a Wilmington woman refused big offers from developers

A Wilmington woman had her Shangri-La on just over two acres of property. A dilapidated home built by her father decades ago, a small garden, chickens, cats and dogs.

"That's why I don't want to leave. I'm satisfied," Margaret Washburn said.

And no developer could convince her otherwise, no matter the payout.

In the Sept. 1, 1996, Sunday StarNews, Washburn's latest refusal to sell came after plans for a shopping center near the edge of her property. Called Smith Creek Station, developers bought land around Racine Drive with plans for a Home Depot among other stores. Home Depot remains at that location.

As developers said they'll just build around her, Washburn was fine with it.

"Shopping centers, shopping centers, shopping centers," said Washburn, a senior citizen who wouldn't give her age but hinted she was in her 80s. "They make me sick of shopping centers."

A real estate agent said Washburn could sell for at least $150,000 an acre, perhaps $200,000 once Smith Creek Station was finished.

"Money ain't nothin' but a little piece of paper," Washburn said. "I'd rather have a satisfied mind than a house full of money."

Of course, development has only grown since the 1990s. Since then, the Eastwood Road and Racine Drive area has added a car dealership, restaurants, hotels, retail and more.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: From the archives: When a Wilmington woman refused big offers from developers