Nest Realty has found a new nest in Carolina Beach.

The residential real estate firm leased space in the commercial portion of new mixed-use complex Proximity at Carolina Beach at 904 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Not that the company doesn’t like its current building at 112 Cape Fear Blvd. in the New Hanover County beach town. Nest occupies the first floor of the building the firm bought in 2019 for just under $1 million, said Ryan Crecelius, principal broker of Nest Realty Wilmington.

“We, first off, love our building, love that space,” Crecelius said. “That space has been the most amazing billboard for us since we got started down there.”

But Proximity, developed by Cape Fear Development, allows Nest to reconfigure its office, which will be going increasing a bit in size from 1,300 square feet to 1,500 square feet, he said.

“We’re going to eat well over there, that’s for sure,” Crecelus quipped, referring to the K-38 Baja Grill that recently opened and the Boombalatti’s ice cream shop that will be next door. “But it just has a more proper retail feel. It reminds me of Lumina Station a little bit.” 

Lumina Station is an office, shopping and dining complex on Eastwood Road near Wrightsville Beach.

Crecelius said he expects construction to begin on the Proximity office sometime in the next 45 days. Patrick Riley of Cape Fear Commercial was the listing agent.

“We’ll be designing the space from top to bottom, so it’s a cold dark shell until we start construction,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nest building at 112 Cape Fear Blvd., which has a landscape architect as a commercial tenant on the top floor, is listed for sale for $2.4 million. Crecelius said he expects Nest, which has 15 agents who work out of the Carolina Beach office, to continue to occupy the existing office until early fall.

“Built in 1935 and meticulously renovated in 2019, this iconic two-story building masterfully blends historic charm with modern functionality, making it a standout in Carolina Beach’s commercial landscape,” according to the Nest listing for the property. “Its unique character even served as the backdrop for a Netflix movie, adding to its allure. Nestled in the heart of the business district, it offers prime visibility and exceptional versatility for a range of uses.”

Potential uses include retail, office or cafe setups, according to the listing.

Nest's Carolina Beach location is one of two offices the firm has; the other is at Mayfaire Town Center at 990 Inspiration Drive.