City manager reflects on Skyline Center purchase; possible expansion at Live Oak Bank Pavilion
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Three years after purchasing the Skyline Center campus in downtown Wilmington, city leaders say the investment is paying off as the campus nears full occupancy and officials consider future expansion opportunities at Live Oak Bank Pavilion.
WWAY recently sat down with City Manager Becky Hawke to discuss the city’s $68 million purchase of the 12.5-acre Skyline Center campus, which was completed in July 2023. The acquisition brought 15 city departments under one roof.
Hawke said about half of the building was available for lease when the city purchased the property. Now, she said, that space is now 95% occupied.
The city is also evaluating the future of nearby property adjacent to Skyline Center and Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Hawke said officials are considering whether to sell the land or use it to expand the venue.
“It doesn’t have the storage that it needs, it doesn’t have all of the bathrooms that it needs and there are some other things that we want to incorporate into that, we are currently doing a fit test and analysis to determine what else needs to be added to that facility.”
Hawke also addressed the financing behind the Skyline Center purchase, noting the city used two types of debt to acquire the property. She said one of those debts was paid off this year, five years ahead of schedule.
