River Place

Unveiling The Port City’s newest gem

By CAROLINE RUTLEDGE

The Port City. Hollywood East. The Dub. Wilmywood. No matter what you call it from one of these infamous nicknames to other descriptions such as “our favorite vacation spot” or simply “home,” Wilmington, NC, continues to thrive as a tourist and a relocation destination. In February 2021, 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest, sponsored by USA Today, announced Wilmington placed second in its 2021 Best Riverwalk poll. Wilmington, NC, has placed first in previous polls, and it’s no secret why it continues to top the charts.

According to Kim Hufham, president/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, “Visitors and residents of Wilmington and its island beaches know that our Riverwalk is a special place for recreation, dining, shopping, entertainment, and natural beauty.” One of the recent developments that has greatly improved Wilmington’s Riverwalk is the completion of River Place, a luxurious residential community in the premier location of downtown Wilmington, NC adjacent to the beautiful and historic Cape Fear River.

“Just 5 years ago River Place was just a concept, an architectural rendering on poster board, hundreds of blueprints of a highly anticipated development and likely the most complex build in Wilmington history,” explains Stephanie Heller, the on-site agent for Keith Beatty for River Place Sales at the Intracoastal Realty Office located downtown. Keith Beatty is the Listing agent for sales at River Place. Located on Water Street, River Place consists of 92 luxury condominiums and offers homebuyers the rare opportunity to live in an upscale, carefree condominium residence. Heller says, “River Place is a desirable community to live and call home with sweeping views of the Cape Fear River, amazing city views and a location that is impossible to replicate.”

Heller explains that this build was no easy task with various challenges the team had to tackle, including a city block of a decrepit and unflattering concrete parking deck and numerous hurdles related to the pandemic. “It was a challenge moving residents into their new homes amongst the pandemic with workers completing tasks, continuous and ongoing street work, but the people of Wilmington and residents of River Place are resilient and love where they live.” The first residents moved into River Place in late spring 2020, and some of the many amenities for residents include a beautiful club room where residents can gather and have private functions equipped with billiards table, concierge service, a beautiful the main lobby, rooftop pool, hottub and a fully equipped fitness center. Recently, residents finally enjoyed River Place’s first social function for owners to meet and mingle.

Built by Barnhill Construction, River Place consists of the condominiums and The Overlook at River Place, which are 79 apartments leased by Greystar Property Management office located at 14 Grace Street. River Place is not just for residents. It has many commercial offerings for tourists and locals including The Mellow Mushroom, Axis Fitness, Bank of America, DGX. Coming soon are; The Nutrition Spot, Citrus Salon, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and more.  Another essential benefit is parking! “With River Place has come the newest 6-story Parking Deck (owned and operated by the City of Wilmington) which brings much needed parking for the public and residents alike giving access to newly paves streets, improved sidewalks, access to fantastic restaurants, retail shops, fitness, businesses, river boat tours, carriage rides, Historic District, River Walk, entertainment and all the amenities of downtown living,” says Heller. “The transformation of this one city block turned River Place community has been remarkable and enhances our entire skyline and entry into the City of Wilmington from Hwy 74/76 and Hwy 17.  Viewing our new backdrop of this stunning cityscape by boat or other side of the Cape Fear River our coastal Wilmington looks magnificent with the many additions including River Place, developed by East West Partners.”

In addition to commercial spaces and parking, the River Place development has created a new iconic structure for the public and that is the Grand Staircase with a lit water feature that flows down from the top of the staircase of Bijou Park to Water Street, which is already a popular backdrop for wedding photos, family photos, and selfies taken from the stairs that have a panoramic view of the Cape Fear River. “As the WDI says, “Bring It Downtown!,” and we have,” exclaims Heller.

It’s not too late to benefit from all the River Place community has to offer, though many of the 92 residential condominiums sold out in presales represented by Intracoastal Realty starting in 2017. More opportunities are available at River Place, and the condominium sales office is located at 228 N. Front Street at Intracoastal Realty by appointment only.

River Place, 910-431-0025, riverplacewilmington.com