Downtown Wilmington may be expanding again

From the Gateway Project, to the Cape Fear Community College Bond Referendum, it seems like development is everywhere in downtown Wilmington.

Last night the City Council agreed to invest $7 million in the area just north of the convention center. Both Mayor Saffo and local residents are excited by the downtown development.

Riverfront Holdings is currently working on the new convention center. But they have created a $750 million plan for the land right next door. The plans include hotels, a marina, office space, and condos.

Riverfront Vice President of Development, Steven Shuttleworth, believes the development will shape the future downtown. “I think you’re going to see a new downtown on the north end, which would be more office and retail versus the wonderful historic district.”

After Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, it seems like the city agrees. They approved $7 million to cover half the cost of building the bulkhead around the marina, and to improve area streets. But Mayor Saffo said the most important part of the deal is extending the Riverwalk. “A lot of the tourists that visit our community, whether they are staying at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach or Kure Beach, or if they’re just visiting our community in historic downtown, all comment how beautiful our downtown is and how beautiful our Riverwalk is. It’s really become a crown jewel.”

The city will eventually expand the Riverwalk to reach the Isabell Holmes Bridge as part of the 20/20 plan. Most residents say the development is great for the city. “The construction, the reconstruction, and the improvements. I believe that brings along jobs also and I’m just all for it,” said Leonard McCall, a local resident.

However, some say it is becoming too much of a good thing. “It’s getting a little too crowded. I moved here 9 years ago and I kind of liked it better when it was less crowded, less buildings, less development,” said Gene Hroncich.

To help deal with the increased traffic, the city expects to accompany the new development by expanding Nutt Street. City Council will vote for final approval of the plan at its next meeting, in the second week of November.