Developer Chuck Schoninger, whose company developed and owns Port City Marina and Marina Grill in northern downtown Wilmington, recently bought 23 acres on Blue Clay Road.

According to New Hanover County deeds recorded Jan. 30, he paid $1.5 million to Corbett Farming and Corbett Package companies for the property, where he plans to build flex warehouse space. A little over four of the acres purchased are at 2501 Blue Clay Road.

Schoninger said while the property does not need a rezoning from New Hanover County to allow about 250,000 square feet of warehouse space, he is working on getting other necessary permits.

“We're hoping in about 120 days we're fully approved and we break ground,” Schoninger said.

He said he believes warehouse space is in high demand in the area.

“I’ve seen vacancies in a lot of warehouses,” Schoninger said, “and I’ve talked to a lot of people around here that just are looking and can't find anything.”

In another example of industrial sector activity by Schoninger’s company, USA InvestCo, he also built and owns a cold storage facility at the Port of Wilmington.