May 19, 2024 Castle Street Development
Around Our Town with Gene Merritt
Blog # 30
May 19, 2024After many years of little activity, Castle Street is beginning to come alive. Whereas there is a way to go, things are looking good in this Wilmington neighborhood.
I am pleased to feature today the current development work being accomplished by Dave Spetrino,(former owner) of PBC Design Build; now solely focused on local, infill development and real estate projects.
There are two buildings in the construction phase, one at the corner of 11th and Castle and the other in the same block, facing 11th Street.
The first building will include 17 residential homes (5 two-bedroom, 3 studio, and 9 one-bedroom units), and one commercial space.
Construction is currently well underway and applications for rental tenants will be accepted in August and September for a late October, early November occupancy. Property management will be handled by Town and Country Real Estate. The name of the building is Royal. It was designed by local Architect Rob Romero.
The Royal, 11th and Castle Streets, Wilmington, NC
The second building, currently under construction also, faces 11th Street. It will be 27 homes, all residential apartments. There will be 11 two-bedroom, 8 studios, and 8 one-bedroom units.
The name of the building will be Darby. It was designed by Becker Morgan, specifically Brice Reid, from Wilmington. New residents will be able to move in in January/February, 2025.
The Darby, facing 11th Street, Wilmington, NC
The balance of the site will include two more buildings, both facing Castle Street. Both buildings will be mixed-use with retail along Castle and residential above. They will be three-level buildings.
The parking lot will be located behind the buildings in the center of the block, accessed from 12th Street. The parking lot will be finished concurrently with Building One.
Buildings Three and Four are currently in the design phase. Construction is not expected to start on those buildings until 2025 with a goal of delivering them in early 2026.
Location of buildings three and four and the parking lot.
Other development work in the area
Dave Spetrino has been a very active and productive builder/developer over the years. He has completed a significant number of projects in the downtown area, including the North Fourth Street District.
The follow are photos of some of Dave’s projects near the Castle Street area.
The Crown, 919 Castle Street, Wilmington, NC
The Jewel.,718 S. 5th and the Mini Pearl, 409 Wooster Street
The Pearl. 411 Wooster Street, Wilmington, NC
The Ardmore, 1704 Church Street, Wilmington, NC
Conclusion
The work of Dave Spetrino, his associates and employees, has been, again, very significant over the years. He has certainly played an important leadership role in the revitalization of the inner city of Wilmington.
It is my hope that Dave’s work in the Castle Street area will encourage other developers to create new projects.
Castle Street has a way to go, but it is on the go. There’s not much night life right now but based on recent news there are more projects on the way. I think it would be good to see the development of more bars and restaurants.
Gene Merritt
Around Our Town with Gene Merritt
Blog # 30
May 19, 2024