The Construction on the new Fort Fisher Visitor Center is done, now it’s undergoing finishing touches
Construction of Fort Fisher’s new visitor center is making progress. The 18-month long project began in October 2022 and has a price tag of nearly $25 million. This month officials posted these pictures showing an exterior that is complete. Staff will now spend the summer moving artifacts into the center. The new building will allow for more space to display the items unearthed over the years from one of the most pivotal Civil War battles. An official ribbon cutting for the visitor center and underwater archaeology center is scheduled for Labor Day, although officials believe it may be have a soft launch for the public sometime before that date.
Work to Begin this Month on the Holden Beach Pier
The Holden Beach fishing pier has been closed for the last two years, but the town’s board of commissioners has approved plans for it to be rebuild and repaired it. The pier was privately owned until 2022 when it was purchased by the town for $3.3 million. Plans call for repairing damaged piles, extending the pier by an additional 250 feet and safety repairs including handrails and ADA access as well as possibly replacing the wooden structure with a concrete pier and for a more storm-resistant structure. The work is estimated to cost $3 million. Holden Beach officials say they are considering a public/private partnership to fund the project.
North Topsail is Getting a New Fire Station
A new fire station is coming to North Topsail Beach. Ground will officially be broke at a ceremony scheduled for May 15th. The project involves demolition of the existing fire station and the construction of a new fire station situated on the current property. The fire station (Station No. 2) currently serving the southern half of North Topsail Beach at 3304 Gray Street was constructed in 1987 and is a one-story pre-engineered metal building on a concrete slab. The new station will be a two-story building, with around 11,643 square feet for both floors. Officials hope the new station will be operating in the late fall.
ILM wants 23rd Street to be Widen
Wilmington International Airport is requesting that the North Carolina Transportation Department pay for the widening of 23rd Street. Officials say widening the street will help improve traffic flow into the airport. ILM has committed $1 million toward the project and is asking NCDOT to provide additional funding through its economic development program. The proposed project would widen the currently two-lane 23rd Street to four lanes and add a bike lane and sidewalks to the stretch between Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Airport Boulevard. NCDOT evaluates projects for economic development funding on a “first come, first serve basis,” and is limited by state law to spending up to $10 million per project.
A New Walmart could be coming to Carolina Shores
Brunswick County could soon see another Walmart Supercenter. Walmart submitted plans to the town of Carolina Shores regarding a new store to be located off U.S. 17. The plans outline a 171,000-square-foot building on 25 acres of land near Emerson Bay Road. The site would also include a gas station, drive-thru pharmacy, lots for other commercial businesses and a large parking lot. Carolina Shore leaders are expected to discuss the issue at a up coming meeting