The Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s 20 most-read stories online in 2023 (according to Google Analytics as of Dec. 14) include topics ranging from restaurant openings to hotel plans. The following summarizes the top 10 on the list:
1. Record-breaking buy on Figure Eight
An oceanfront home on Figure Eight Island sold for a record-breaking $13 million in August.
Ransom and Courtney Langford, of Connecticut, purchased the nearly 5,000-square-foot home at 10 Inlet Hook Road on the private New Hanover County island from John and Rebekah McConnell, of Raleigh, according to the deed.
According to real estate agents, the Inlet Hook Road purchase came with the highest sum paid for a house in recorded history in New Hanover County.
2. AI-generated therapy helps hospice patients
Neal Shah, founder of CareYaya Health Technologies, is using AI-generated images to provide art therapy to hospice patients.
CareYaya uses technology to connect trained, college-aged caregivers with families needing help caring for their elderly loved ones. Based in Research Triangle Park, CareYaya has found success by working with college students, including from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
3. Wilmington restaurateur’s prized Perla
Longtime Wilmington-area restaurateur Ash Aziz opened his latest venture in October.
Perla Raw Bar is a modern take on an oyster bar at 1039 Ashes Drive in The Renaissance, a mixed-use development off Military Cutoff Road.
4. Westin-brand hotel rises in Mayfaire
The owner of Mayfaire Town Center and a hospitality company are building a Westin brand hotel on a site that previously held restaurants.
According to an announcement in January, CBL Properties (NYSE: CBL) and Vision Hospitality Group planned to build the 83,000-square-foot Element by Westin hotel at 1055 International Drive. The 139-room hotel is currently under construction.
5. Rate Bureau asks for increase
At the end of July, state officials announced that the N.C. Rate Bureau had requested a 50.6% statewide average rate increase for dwelling policies.
If approved this month, the rate increase would take effect June 1.
6. G Prime brings ‘celebratory’ vibes
A prolific Triangle restaurateur announced his plans to open a high-end steakhouse in Wilmington.
Giorgios Bakatsias, of Giorgios Hospitality Group, acquired the old Port City Chop House building at 1981 Eastwood Road in a $3.6 million transaction that closed on March 22. The new restaurant, G Prime Steak and Cellar, opened in November, serving freshly butchered steaks alongside locally sourced fish and produce.
The 7,500-square-foot space features a piano bar and adjacent lounge area with seating for about 50 guests and a vibe that Bakatsias described as “celebratory.”
7. Luxurious hotel still expected at The Avenue
Greensboro-based developer Roy Carroll was still planning to create a five-star Westin hotel and spa as part of The Avenue, a more than $300 million project planned along Military Cutoff Road.
If built as planned, the Westin will have 234 rooms, an indoor-outdoor restaurant, a splash pad, and a lazy river.
8. Buyer of $17.5M property plans preservation
A collection of properties along Howe Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway in New Hanover County now belongs to a family intent on preserving the unique compound.
Dolores “Lori” Angel bought 30 acres worth of parcels in the 2500 block of Middle Sound Loop Road for $17.5 million from Queens Point LLC in October, public records show. The six properties include marsh and wetlands, 12.5 acres of land, a 1940s-era house, a caretaker’s home and docks on the water.
A family representative said the Angels want to preserve the enclave referred to as Queens Point, protecting it from development for generations to come.
9. Flights to Florida, but cheaper
Wilmington International Airport netted new nonstop flights to Tampa and West Palm Beach in 2023 from Avelo Airlines, according to an announcement in March.
The same news release shared that Avelo would be flying to Orlando four times weekly on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays.
As of Dec. 15, West Palm Beach was no longer offered by Avelo as a destination from ILM.
10. Downtown property nets $6M
The vacant property at 101 N. Front St., where development plans over the years have come and gone, sold for $6 million in April.
The buyer, Northern Ventures, had yet to reveal development plans as of press time.
