Bid for city property could see a new grocery store in downtown Wilmington

If the sale moves forward, it could bring a grocery store to the north side of downtown

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington City Council is moving one step closer to potentially bringing a grocery store to the north side of downtown. 

City council voted to begin an upset bid process for property at 305, 315, and 319 Chestnut Street. The lot was declared surplus property after the city purchased the Skyline Center in February. 

Currently, Cape Fear Holdings, LLC has a bid for $1.7 million for the property, which the company said it will use to build a grocery store. 

Under state law, if no higher bids are presented, the sale will move forward after December 19. The city said it will put that money towards debt accrued by the purchase of the Skyline Center. 

Councilwoman Salette Andrews noted council has pushed for a grocery store to be built the area for years. 

“It’s difficult for governments to attract very specific use like that. Except by being very flexible with zoning, and all that is certainly doable, but the fact that we have somebody interested who wants to put that use in there I think is very exciting,” Andrews explained. 

Northern downtown is considered by many to be a food desert, meaning there is no affordable, comprehensive grocery store within a mile radius.