Print
Real Estate - Commercial

City Puts $90M Northern Gateway Proposal On Hold

By Cece Nunn and Christina Haley O'Neal, posted Apr 30, 2020
East West Partners' proposal to build a $90 million mixed-use project at the city of Wilmington's northern gateway is on hold, for now. (File rendering)
Work on a $90 million mixed-use development proposal for city-owned property in downtown Wilmington's northern gateway is on hold, for now, according to city officials.

Because of the coronavirus crisis, it is uncertain when the city will resume its exploration phase with East West Partners, said city spokesman Dylan Lee in an email this week. 

Chapel Hill-based East West Partners proposed a development that could bring residential units, retail space, a hotel, a visitors center and parking to several city-owned properties at 1020, 908 and 922 N. Front St. and 901 N. Third St.

The properties are situated on the northern side of the city, just off Third Street, the main thoroughfare coming into the city from the Isabel Holmes Bridge and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. 

The city last year called for proposals to develop the city-owned sites. East West Partners submitted the only proposal, which was approved by city council late last year to move into the exploration phase.

"We respect, under these unprecedented circumstances, the city's decision to delay further consideration of the Gateway project," said Lucien Ellison, development director for East West Partners, in an email.

East West Partners remains focused on the projects it has underway in Wilmington and looks forward to "pursuing Gateway when the city suggests it is time to do so," he said.

"At the rate we were going and the way the economy was humming, we were making pretty good progress," Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo said of the potential northern gateway project and others. "But then came this pandemic, and everything came to a standstill."

"I don't want to abandon this particular project, a viable project," Saffo said. "But at this point in time we have to put it on hold to focus on what we're trying to finish now."

One of those areas of focus for the developer is completing River Place, and for the city, Saffo said, it's dealing with a budget that will include a major revenue shortfall but has to be approved by city officials by June.

East West Partners is involved in a public-private partnership with the city of Wilmington to redevelop the old Water Street parking deck into River Place, a 13-story mixed-use development.

"River Place is on track for a 2020 opening, and we are eager to see the impact of our combined investment in downtown Wilmington," Ellison said. "Thereafter, we look forward to completion of the Gaylord Building on Front Street."

The Gaylord Building was bought by the firm in 2018 and is undergoing renovation to be turned into a co-working space.

"Together, these two projects," Ellison said, "will have a tremendous impact on downtown business and residential activity."
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Web awstaffpic2020 1 132245438

The 2024 Luncheon for Literacy featuring Special Guest Jason Mott

Alesha Edison Westbrook - Cape Fear Literacy Council
Untitleddesign2 4523114356

Cybersecurity and Productivity: Striking the Perfect Balance for Business Success

Barrett Earney - EarneyIT
Jimheadshot

The Wilmington Construction Market: Trends, Recognition, and Challenges

Jim Hundley - Thomas Construction Group

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

Rezoning Could Bring 123 Townhomes To Growing Leland Corridor

Emma Dill - Mar 25, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

In The Current Issue

Expanding Tastes On Castle Street

As John Willse and Beth Guertin, owners of Wilmington Wine bottle shop and now the recently opened Creative Tastings restaurant on Castle St...


Q&A: Andrews Reflects On Leadership

Pender County Manager David Andrews is slated to retire this summer after 33 years in local government....


INFO JUNKIE: Jack Fleming

Jack Fleming, owner of Socialry Marketing & Scourz and emcee for 1 Million Cups Wilmington, shares his media and tech picks....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments