In attempt to examine and explore recommendations for alternative uses for the Water Street parking deck, the Wilmington City Council delayed action earlier this month on a resolution that would have backed redevelopment plans for the aging structure.

Council members voted unanimously to continue the resolution to their May 6 meeting, instructing city staff to schedule a work session to further discuss ideas and concerns about the redevelopment.

Some residents have grown concerned about recent recommendations to turn the nearly 1-acre space at 200 N. Water St. into mixed-used buildings.

Officials with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative were awarded a $50,000 contract to evaluate current and future uses for the city-owned parking deck.

The group crafted conceptual plans that included two mixed-use buildings: one at 13 stories tall, and the other with 15 stories that incorporated a mix of 183 residential units, 623 parking spaces and about 20,000 square feet of ground level retail.

Building such a development would cost $53 million, according to the group’s estimates.

Michael Lemanski, director of the Development Finance Initiative, said the proposal was an idea for how the site could be maximized, not a finalized plan.

During the course of the evaluation, Lemanski has stressed that the city has the authority to engage a public/private partnership by incorporating municipal service districts – an economic development tool where the city could offer incentives within the area for future redevelopment. He added the city could lease the land to a developer if a deal is solidified for the site.
Other ideas for the site have been mixed and include park space, a grocery store and a mix of office and residential uses.

Many members of Residents of Old Wilmington, a nonprofit downtown advocacy group made up of people who reside in historic neighborhoods that dot the central business district, have been opposed to the scope and density of the recommended redevelopment.

Joe Dunton, a Residents of Old Wilmington member, told council members earlier this month that the concept for the site should be a “simple place.” He added the city should also consider closing off vehicular access along Water Street in front of the parking deck to provide more green space.

Shaun Olsen, co-founder of Leland-based CloudWyze, told council members the site’s best use would be mixed-use, adding that his firm is looking to relocate its office to downtown Wilmington. He said the company is looking for space where workers could truly live, work and play.

Councilwoman Laura Padgett said the council should be vigilant in its decision to develop the site.

“This is an important piece of property to the entire city,” Padgett said.

“What we have downtown is a significant reason that people move here and visit here … we have an obligation to keep that attractive and the riverfront available.”