Wilmington business leader working to maintain Castle Street’s Arts District

WILMINGTON, NC (WAWY) — An effort is underway to try to preserve the ambiance and unique character of some buildings in Wilmington’s Castle Street district.

Castle Street is known as a vibrant arts and antiques district in Wilmington that has art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Terry Espy is the President of “Momentum Companies.”

Recently, she learned that at least three buildings in the 6-hundred block of Castle Street were slated to be demolished to make room for new apartments.

Espy has been contracted by the owners in Boston to lease the properties out on their behalf, in order to maintain the “niche” quality of the district.

Espy says her goal is to keep Castle Street serving the community in a way that preserves its charm.

“Sometimes, you know, we don’t need to fix what isn’t broken. So, we really do have to get back and look at how did it serve it back then, and with all the revitalization of the beautiful little bungalows, and the people that want to be in a walkable community, it’s extremely important that you offer what they need and what they want,” said Espy.

All three properties are for rent for commercial retail by Momentum Companies.