Wilmington arts district could see 94 new apartments and a restaurant

Wilmington's ever-evolving Brooklyn Arts District is set to get a new apartment complex with a restaurant.

Developers submitted plans last week to the city of Wilmington for a 94-unit complex, which is being called "The Helm." The project is planned for 0.7-acres at 1010 N. Fourth Street, a lot that's situated directly across the street from burger restaurant Angus Grill, ice cream shop Boombalatti's and bottle shop Palate. 

Because the proposed development site is part of the city's central business district -- where multi-family complexes and restaurants are allowed by right -- plans just need to clear the city's technical review process to move forward.

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Submitted documents show plans for a five-story, 60-foot-tall building with first-floor parking and a 1,450-square-foot first-floor restaurant. In all, the complex will house 94 apartments, including 23 two-bedroom units, 59 one-bedrooms and 12 studios.

The property was purchased in March for $1.4 million by 1010 North Fourth Street LLC. The limited liability company has ties to real estate investment firm Bush Watson. The company owns The Pearl apartment complex located at the intersection of S. 5th Avenue and Wooster Street in Wilmington.

Although the bulk of the company's previous projects are located in the Northeastern U.S., Port Property, a property management group that's owned by Bush Watson, announced its expansion to the Wilmington area in a press release earlier this year.

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Plans for the project show a 100-seat restaurant is planned for the corner of the building near the intersection of N. 4th and Harnett Streets. The restaurant is expected to add 47 car trips to the area in the morning and 47 more trips in the afternoon hours. The apartments are expected to add an estimated 48 morning trips and 58 afternoon trips, according to site plans.

The Brooklyn Arts District on Wilmington's Northside has seen a slew of new restaurants and apartment complexes in recent years. Angus Grill, Boombalatti's and Palate all opened in the neighborhood in the last five years, and three10, a restaurant just down the block that serves up a modern take on Southern seafood, opened last fall.

Reporter Emma Dill can be reached at 910-343-2096 or edill@gannett.com.