The developers of Center Point, a more than $250 million mixed-use project off Military Cutoff and Eastwood roads, announced Tuesday that construction has started on the development's apartment community.

When completed, The Sterling will house 265 luxury apartments, including studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. According to the release, The Sterling is expected to open in August 2026, with pre-leasing beginning in May 2026. The apartments are a joint venture between Charleston-based The Beach Company, Wilmington-based Swain & Associates and St. Louis-based Larson Capital Management.

The Beach Company and Swain & Associates made a similar announcement in 2022, but Center Point's construction at the time focused on infrastructure. Jason Swain of Swain & Associates said installing infrastructure, including underground stormwater components, has taken since that announcement to complete. Swain's firm first revealed its plans for Center Point, which included 1 million square feet of residences, retail and office space on a 23-acre site, in 2017.

Some of the plan's details have changed over the years. During a Greater Wilmington Business Journal Power Breakfast in 2023, David Swain of Swain & Associates said, “It is morphing. The world has started to change, specifically related to office buildings.” 

In addition to rethinking potential office space after COVID-19, developers had previously announced that the apartment portion of Center Point would hold 351 units. Jason Swain said the new number better fits the current market.

Tuesday's announcement said Center Point has now reached an important milestone.

"The Sterling represents the start of vertical construction at Center Point and the first step to seeing the vision of a mixed-use, walkable community come to life in a location that is second to none. In addition to what The Sterling itself will be able to offer residents, having Center Point’s retail establishments, walking trail and entertainment lawns right outside their doors is something we really look forward to delivering,” said Alan McMahon, director of development for The Beach Company.

Developer Jason Swain of Swain & Associates stated in the release, “We are very excited that after nearly 10 years of hard work, our community will begin to see Center Point rise from the ground. Without the vision of the City Council, the support of the community and cooperation of countless government agencies, our success would not be possible. When complete, Center Point will set the standard for high-quality mixed-used development in southeastern North Carolina.”

Clancy & Theys Construction Co. is The Sterling's general contractor.

"When we started Center Point, we made the commitment we would do our best to create jobs and hire local firms whenever possible. I’m proud to say that we’ve done just that," Swain stated in the release. "Our engineering firm, sitework contractor and general contractor are all local and so are their teams. With help from The Beach Company, we are ensuring we create jobs and economic opportunities for the people in our community.”