Wilmington City Council hears proposals for Water Street parking deck

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Earlier this year, Wilmington earned the title of “America’s Best Riverfront” thanks to the beautiful scenery the city has to offer, but there is one location officials are hoping to improve.

Council members heard seven proposals this morning to make what is now an old parking deck on Water Street something that will help capture the beauty of the Cape Fear River. In addition to keeping the parking aspect, several companies pitched their ideas of what should replace the current deck. Proposals include apartments, restaurants and shops, all with an award-winning view.

Kenneth Chestnut is retired from Integral Development, one of the companies pitching a project. He came to the meeting because of his connection to the downtown. Chestnut grew up on Red Cross Street.

“It’s a perfect alignment for me to be involved and bring the local perspective — and having being a long time native of Wilmington, just the history and the dynamics and the development with particularly waterfront and downtown area,” Chestnut said.

Mayor Bill Saffo says the proposals were great but personalizing it to what the city has and needs is key.

“It’s a $60 million plus project so it’s exciting and we are excited about having this. Many folks come out and tell us they like to be a part of Downtown Wilmington and be a part of our community,” Saffo said. “A very exciting place, a lot of people are coming back downtown, a lot of energy downtown, and this would just add to the energy.”

The city hopes to come up with more definite plans in the upcoming months.