The downtown Wilmington building that held the recently closed restaurant Riverboat Landing has a new owner, who is renovating the property and hopes to attract an experienced restaurateur to the space.

Perhaps best known for its New Orleans-style balconies for two, the blue building at 2 Market St. was recently purchased by 2 Market St. LLC, a company managed by real estate broker Todd Toconis of Town & Country Real Estate. The price was $955,000, according to a New Hanover County deed.

The exterior of the building is now under renovation, with 2 Market Street LLC having received a certificate of appropriateness from the Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission.
 
According to Toconis, renovations include a new roof, the replacement of all doors and windows, pressure washing, new paint and new awnings. Toconis plans to lease the building upon completion of the renovations, which he hopes will take place by the end of the month.
 
“This landmark building has suffered from deferred maintenance,” Toconis said, “and we are committed to making it a true asset to downtown Wilmington.”
 
Toconis said his company is looking for a successful and experienced restaurateur to take over the space and is currently fielding offers from several interested parties, including a steakhouse, an oyster bar and a seafood restaurant.
 
The property was previously owned by Steven and Sophie Kohlstedt, who bought the building in 2008 and operated Riverboat Landing. Prior to that, the restaurant had operated as Roy’s Riverboat Landing since the early 1980s under the ownership of Roy Clifton.

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