For the past year, Sandy Thorpe and Andy Hewitt have watched their vision for the Soda Pop District progress from their offices on Princess Street.   After ushering in the successful start to Hi-Wire Brewing and Cugino Forno, more is in the works with Raleigh-based Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard renovating the space next door. The partners are also unveiling Bottle Works this week in the former Coca-Cola bottling facility at 921 Princess St. With tenants like Beach & Barn and Craftspace taking up l... read more

By Lauren Schuster Published: Nov. 30, 2022 at 10:05 AM EST| WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Thursday, Dec. 1 marks the first day that you can ice skate at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in the heart of downtown Wilmington. This will be the first year that the City of Wilmington will have an outdoor ice rink. The rink will be located on the stage. Many may wonder how ice skating is possible in area known for warmer temperatures, and synthetic ice is the answer. Although the ice is fake, it is still capab... read more

NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A downtown development project five years in the making raised concerns from the state financing board for its “unique” approach; however, Project Grace as structured will not move forward.  The financing agreement between the county and Wilmington developer Zimmer Development Company continued to raise concerns by the Local Government Commission during its Thursday meeting; the LGC was to give final authorization on the financing of Project Grace. It did not pass with su... read more

 Last month, local government entities revisited alternative funding options for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge — a contentious topic that walks the fine line between necessity and unfavorable financing options. It remains a high priority for officials. The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization passed a resolution at its February board meeting to ask the North Carolina Department of Transportation to explore all options, including tolls and previous proposals, for rep... read more

WILMINGTON — The developers behind the revitalization of the Soda Pop District and anchoring Coca-Cola building are kicking off reconstruction soon. Dubbed “The Bottle Works Building” project, hammers will start hitting at the corner of Princess and 10th streets this March. The reconstruction is being split into two phases, with the first focused on the upfit of the former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant’s warehouse and retail portion and its entry on Princess Street. The second step will touch the... read more