New Hanover County Growth

Although New Hanover County geographically is next to the smallest county in North Carolina, it’s far from the smallest in residential development. Downtown Wilmington continues to enjoy an upsurge in people living there as new condo developments spring up. This increase in downtown residency is a great part of what is fueling the continued growth and strength of the downtown area.

A fair amount of residential construction is taking place on the north side of downtown where the new headquarters building for PPD Corporation opened in 2007. Still other development is taking place in the center and southern areas of downtown, and large scale condominium projects are planned for the west side of the Cape Fear River. Add to all this the continued renovation of old homes and the growth of living quarters above shops and offices, and you have a recipe for a vibrant downtown Wilmington. Let’s take a look at some of downtown’s developments.

212 Walnut Street, on the near north side, is typical of several developments downtown, which have commercial space on the ground floor and condominiums on the upper floors. 212 Water Street’s eight condos feature views of the Historic District and are just three blocks from the river.

Courtyard Condominiums and Riverwatch Apartments, located on Red Cross Street near Second Street and Cape Fear Community College, are all one-bedroom units with patios and balconies overlooking a courtyard.

Clarenden Park is a new development of single-family homes on the north side along Smith Creek. About 120 home sites are in the development, which is within two blocks of a city park and hiking trails.

Bannerman Station, at Second and Walnut Streets, is a five-story building with 38 condominiums above retail and private parking areas plus a secured lobby. Units range from one to three bedrooms and have balconies or terraces with views of the city or the river.

Governor’s Landing, on Nun Street just south of Chandlers Wharf, has its own marina and features luxury, 3,000 square foot town homes on the river. Six units are completed in Phase One, and more units will be available in Phases Two, Three and Four.