New Hanover Co. analyzing site for potential development

WILMINGTON NC, (WWAY) — New Hanover County Commissioners are considering redeveloping an area of downtown Wilmington despite the fact that right now, the potential site is owned by the U.S. government.

The development is part of the Project Grace initiative, an ambitious plan which hopes to place more downtown areas into privately-owned hands.

According to project backers, Project Grace is the best way to boost economic growth in the area.

The project includes the entire block surrounding the library on 3rd, Chestnut, Grace, and 2nd Streets.

Jennifer Rigby, County Strategy and Policy Coordinator, said the county is currently researching which specific development would be the most beneficial to the community.

“We don’t know what the market would support on this site. We don’t know how it would fit on this site. And we don’t know what it would cost to develop this site. So this study that we’re conducting right now will help to answer many of those questions,” she said.

Once complete, the analysis will help County Commissioners decide whether or not to redevelop the site.

The study is expected to be finished by June 30th.