Big projects have the potential to bolster the area’s ability to attract industry and jobs. From new real estate developments to infrastructure investments, each could shape the area’s landscape. The following is an update to some of the larger projects in the works.
Bridging the Gap
Developments are progressing, but one significant proposal has come to a halt for the time being.
The N.C. Department of Transportation called off studies on the Cape Fear Crossing this summer due to issues with funding the proposed project. It was long discussed by local officials and transportation leaders as one solution to traffic congestion, especially as more people move to the region, by creating another bridge route across the Cape Fear River between Brunswick and New Hanover counties. But NCDOT officials crossed the potential roadwork and bridge construction, estimated at roughly $1.1 billion, off the area’s future transportation priority list.
Work on another bridge continues on U.S. 421 near the New Hanover and Pender county line, where a temporary structure was put in place after part of the road washed away during Hurricane Florence. One bridge in the two-bridge project could be completed and open to traffic this month.
The second bridge is slated for completion next spring.
And NCDOT continues work on the Military Cutoff Road project, which includes extending Military Cutoff Road from Market Street to the Wilmington Bypass. It’s slated for completion in 2023.
Prep for Flight
The Wilmington International Airport is making headway on its terminal expansion and renovation project.
The three-phase project is currently in its second phase, which will add 15,000 square feet to the building, including space for a potential fourth carrier. The second phase is on schedule, Granseur Dick, ILM’s planning and development director, said in late August.
“When complete next summer, passengers will experience an expanded ticket lobby and updated finishes. Additionally, a new bag screening system will process checked bags more efficiently to help keep departures on schedule,” Dick said.
The third phase of the project includes a new concourse, expanded TSA checkpoint, new gate seating and new restaurant and retail space. As of press time, contracts had not yet been awarded for the final phase, which got a boost from a $20 million loan approved by New Hanover County commissioners last month.
Airport officials estimate $60 million for the total project, which they said might include a combination of federal, state and local sources.
Laying Down the Lines
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is nearly complete with construction on its $12.8 million water and sewer project along U.S. 421 in New Hanover County.
CFPUA officials have said the project would add needed water and sewer capacity in the area.
It has also been eyed by county officials and economic developers as a means to attract more development along the industrial corridor, which already includes companies such as Fortron Industries and South Atlantic Services Inc.
There are nearly 1,000 acres of developable land available for future industries in the project area, according to CFPUA documents.
As of late August, workers had installed about 65,800 feet of pipeline out of the more than 71,500 needed to complete the lines, CFPUA officials said.
That includes about 36,000 feet of sewer and nearly 30,000 feet of water lines.
“(The) project remains within budget, and no substantial changes in construction costs have occurred,” a CFPUA spokesman said in August.
The CFPUA estimates the work will be done in November.
Going off the Rail
The Wilmington Rail Realignment proposal moved ahead this summer with a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
The realignment plan is to move freight railroad lines from within the city to a new rail bypass and bridge across the Cape Fear River.
It could potentially eliminate about 32 railroad crossings throughout the city and includes possibly repurposing existing rail for a trolley line.
The N.C. Department of Transportation also has $500,000 earmarked for the proposed rail plan, said Laura Padgett, the project’s coordinator. The funds are for preliminary engineering and a federal environmental review, she said, adding that a request for proposals is expected to go out around the end of this year for that work.
Padgett is working alongside Aubrey Parsley, the city of Wilmington’s director of rail realignment, who was hired for the newly created city position this year.
“It really will transform the city because it will improve traffic congestion and access and affordable housing all at once. It will also potentially transform Southeastern North Carolina in terms of trade and shipping opportunities,” Padgett said.
Building Up
Some mixed-use projects are gaining traction in Wilmington with several high-value developments slated to come together in the coming years.
CenterPoint, a major mixed-use project, could bring retail, office space and a residential center to an area near the corner of Military Cutoff and Eastwood roads.
The development firm for the $250 million project bought 23 acres in the area this year with plans to begin site work in 2020.
A new building downtown is adding to Wilmington’s skyline. River Place, a 13-story mixed-use project at 200 N. Water St., is slated for completion next year. The building also includes parking, restaurant and retail space.
And demolition will take place at the end of the year at a Military Cutoff Road property to make way for another mixed-use development. Estimated at more than $200 million, The Avenue is set to be anchored by a Westin hotel and include retail, residential and office space.
The development is planned for 44 acres in the Landfall area.
