Print
Government

Crews Prepare Dilapidated Buildings On Castle Street For Demolition

By Cece Nunn, posted Oct 12, 2022
Workers focus on the roof of a building at 1110 Castle St. as they prepare it to be demolished. (Photo by Cece Nunn)

In recent weeks, crews in protective gear have been working to remove asbestos from buildings at city-owned property on Castle Street.

The former Wave Transit bus maintenance facility at 1110 Castle St. has been a dilapidated eyesore for several years. The city bought the 1.5-acre property in 1974, and Wave Transit vacated it in 2015. The site covers about half a city block with frontage on Castle, 10th and 11th streets, and includes two buildings.

Previous efforts to enter into a public-private partnership between the city and developers for a mixed-use project on the site failed, leading the Wilmington City Council to decide earlier this year to demolish the structures and put the property up for sale.

The council awarded a $168,700 contract to 4 Seasons Demolition Inc. to work toward that goal. The asbestos abatement portion of the project is expected to be complete this month, said city spokeswoman Jennifer Dandron, in an email late last month. 

According to the resolution awarding the contract, the structures on the property "have continued to deteriorate after the initial damage sustained during Hurricane Florence in September of 2018, which caused significant failures in the roofing system, due to additional significant weather events and the passage of time."

Dandron said demolition is set to begin after the asbestos abatement. “Once we’re prepared to solicit bids, we’ll advertise it through our traditional channels (our website www.wilmingtonnc.gov/bid, press release, and a social media update),” she said.

While some council members have said selling the property is overdue and that it could fetch a good price in today’s market, at least one councilman said he doesn’t think there should be a rush to sell.

“I would love to see the city do something with it,” said Councilman Kevin Spears on Wednesday. “But I don’t want us to be hasty in a decision about what we do with the property and another opportunity comes along and it’s too late.”

Cory Thompson, owner of Thompson Design Build at 921 Castle St., said he thinks a mixed-use development would be an appropriate structure on the site to increase housing and commercial work environments for the community.

"I think it's a good property and it could help develop the area around it," said Thompson, whose company primarily builds custom homes. "I think it should go to good use."

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 9202334730

Investing in the Health of Our Communities, for Today and the Future

Novant Health - New Hanover Regional Medical Center Novant Health
Untitleddesign7

Mastering ARC Applications: Best Practices for HOA Board Members

Dave Orr - Community Association Management Services

Trending News

Passenger Rail Study Picks Eastern Route

Emma Dill - May 3, 2024

Entrepreneur Brings Young Tech Startup From Triangle To Wilmington

Audrey Elsberry - May 3, 2024

Biden To Announce National $3B Lead Pipe Replacement Project In Wilmington Visit

Audrey Elsberry - May 2, 2024

The Husk, YoSake Sell In Downtown Wilmington

Jessica Maurer - May 3, 2024

UPDATE: Biden Shares Details On National Lead Pipe Funding At Wilmington Talk

Audrey Elsberry - May 2, 2024

In The Current Issue

CEA Biotech Winner: Pharma Firm In Growth Mode

Kimberly Lupo started Portrett Pharmaceuticals after working in the contract development and manufacturing organization industry for several...


CEA Professional Services Winner: Transforming Work Environments

Since starting her company in 2023, Khalilah Olokunola of ReEngineering HR said she has been building fair-chance hiring strategies and rede...


CEA Technology Winner: UNCW Grad Hooks Catchy Idea

Landon Hill's Local Catch app looks to streamline communication between stakeholders in the local fishing and seafood industry....

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

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season