The demolition process is underway for dozens of structures across New Hanover County.
County records show that there were 55 active demolition permits on Sept. 23. Many of the permits were issued for residential and commercial buildings, though some permits represent smaller structures such as swimming pools and sheds. Others were issued for internal demolitions only.
Of the active permits, 23 were issued for commercial properties and 32 were issued for residential structures. Beyond the permits issued, there are 40 applications that are either incomplete, awaiting payment or under review.
Here are three demolitions underway in New Hanover and what’s planned for the properties.
Novant buildings on Wrightsville Avenue
One of the major demolition and redevelopment efforts underway in New
Hanover is a large portion of Novant Health’s Wrightsville Avenue campus. A permit for the demolition of 11 buildings directly north of the Novant Health New Hanover Orthopedic Hospital was issued on July 30.
On Aug. 4, the healthcare provider held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Novant Health New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital at the site. The new three-story, 90,000-square-foot building will be able to accommodate 60 patients for treatment related to physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy.
The current facility at Novant’s 17th Street campus cares for roughly 850 patients per year, while the new building will have the capacity for more than 1,500 annual admissions.
Floors of Wilmington
Demolition is also underway on the former Floors of Wilmington store at 5321 Oleander Drive. Crews were present tearing down the 7,200-square-foot metal building on Sept. 24, and county records indicate that the parking lot and sidewalks will also be removed.
The site will be redeveloped as a commercial rehabilitation facility with six group homes. The project is being led by Tree House Recovery, a holistic addiction recovery program based in Wilmington. The company purchased the 2.35-acre property for $2.5 million in 2024, according to New Hanover property records.
Island Cottage
The Island Cottage, which was Carolina Beach’s only thrift store, was issued a 30-day notice close earlier this year due to unmet code requirements. The building was demolished after a permit was issued in late May. The store’s Facebook page previously posted that it was seeking to relocate, but no plans have been announced.
Located at 1313 Bridge Barrier Road, the store was on land owned by the town of Carolina Beach. In July, the town approved the purchase of multiple surrounding properties for $935,000.
The property will allow the town to relocate Public Utilities and Public Works staff, as well as a significant amount of equipment that is currently staged at the main town hall.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at dsheehan@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Here's what's being demolished in New Hanover
