Timeline for Downtown Sundown location move still uncertain

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Downtown Sundown Concert series held a successful Kickstarter Campaign back in May to raise money for a new home. But the concert stage hasn’t moved. Just hours before the deadline for Kickstarter Campaign downtown businesses put their money together to raise the rest of the $9,000 needed.

A city project is going to force the stage to move. The Wilmington City Council will meet Tuesday to decide on a contractor to do the water and sewer work on Water Street.

Ed Wolverton, president of Wilmington Downtown Incorporated, said they are waiting for the council to decide on a contractor to see how soon work will begin.

“Yes, we are prepared to move and we are in consultation with the property owner of the lot we will be moving to and we just have a couple of weeks’ notice but that’s all set and we are all ready to go,” said Wolverton.

Wolverton said the current concert venue is a good spot for concerts.

“We are disappointed that we know we have to leave at some point but hopefully we can get through our whole season here perhaps and that’ll help at least it’ll take the sting out of next year when this will still be under construction,” said Wolverton.

James Smith, owner of Fork ‘N’ Cork one of the owners that helped with the Kickstarter campaign, said the Downtown Sundown event helps downtown business.

“I mean it brings people downtown. It’s a great time I think the concert starts at 7 so it’s right before dinner you know people leave there and maybe have a beer,” said Smith.

Wolverton says the project could take about a year to complete.

Whether the venue is moved in a few weeks or it stays put for the rest of the summer Wolverton says the concert series will run through Labor Day.