FOR SALE | PRIME URBAN MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
601–607 S 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Offered at: $1,600,000
Positioned in the heart of one of Wilmington’s fastest-growing corridors, this rare assemblage presents a premier opportunity for developers, investors, and owner-users alike. Located along highly trafficked S 17th Street (±15,500 VPD), the property sits at the gateway to the thriving Cargo District and Castle Street corridor—an area rapidly transforming into a vibrant, walkable urban hub.
Property Overview
601–607 S 17th Street (Combined Offering)
• Total Site Area: ±0.35 Acres
• Building 1: ±1,250 SF Commercial / Mechanical Workshop
• Building 2: ±1,691 SF Commercial / Office
• Zoning: UMX – Urban Mixed Use
Existing Business Opportunity
The well-established Browning Tire & Auto has been family-owned and operated since 1978, offering tire sales, automotive repairs, inspections, and maintenance services. The business can be purchased in conjunction with the real estate, providing immediate cash flow or a transitional income stream during redevelopment planning.
Why UMX Zoning is a Game-Changer: The UMX (Urban Mixed Use) District is among the most flexible and developer-friendly zoning designations in Wilmington, designed to promote density, walkability, and vertical integration of uses.
Key Development Advantages:
• No Density Cap (Vertical Mixed-Use): Maximize returns by building residential over retail or office
• Building Height Potential:
• Up to 45 ft by right (~4 stories)
• Potential for up to 75 ft with SUP or Development Agreement
• Minimal Setbacks: Build close to the street for true urban form
• Parking Flexibility: Rear or side placement encourages higher land efficiency
Strategic Insight: This zoning allows developers to unlock maximum land value by stacking uses—ideal for multifamily, live-work, retail, or mixed-use projects. The lack of density restrictions (for vertical mixed-use) creates a significant upside rarely found in comparable markets.
Location Highlights
Situated between midtown and downtown, this site benefits from immediate proximity to the rapidly expanding Cargo District and Castle Street Arts corridor:
• Over 70+ local businesses within walking distance
• Popular restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and retail concepts nearby
• Strong arts, culture, and entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Close proximity to downtown Wilmington and major commuter routes
• Traffic Count: ±15,500 vehicles per day
Demographics (2024 Estimates):
• Population: 24,365
• Median Household Income: $52,482
• Median Age: 40.8
Development Potential
This assemblage is ideally suited for:
• Mixed-Use Development (Retail + Apartments Above)
• Boutique Multifamily Project
• Live/Work Creative Spaces
• Retail Redevelopment or Adaptive Reuse
With UMX zoning, developers can pursue a high-density, walkable project aligned with the city’s vision for urban infill—making this a standout opportunity in a supply-constrained market.
Investment Summary
• Rare ±0.35-acre assemblage in urban core
• Flexible UMX zoning with major upside
• Income-producing business optional
• Located in one of Wilmington’s fastest-growing districts
• Strong fundamentals for multifamily or mixed-use development