CBRE Signs Leases with Five New Retail Tenants at Center Point Mixed-Use Development in Wilmington, North Carolina

Why It Matters

The new leases signal strong demand for mixed‑use retail in Wilmington, accelerating the city’s shift toward integrated live‑work‑play environments. Successful tenant uptake de‑risks Phase I and positions Center Point as a catalyst for further investment in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Center Point Phase I secures first 13,000 sq ft of retail leases
• Five tenants include Nest Interiors, Blended Shoes, Burton’s Grill, Thompson’s, Jeff’s Bagel
• Development will total over 100,000 sq ft of retail, residential, office space
• Joint venture by The Beach Co. and Swain & Associates drives local growth
• Location near Mayfaire Town Center enhances Wilmington’s mixed‑use market

Pulse Analysis

Wilmington’s commercial landscape is evolving as developers prioritize mixed‑use projects that blend retail, residential, and office components. The city’s population growth and tourism draw have created a fertile environment for such investments, and national firms like CBRE are leveraging their leasing expertise to match local demand with curated tenant mixes. By anchoring Center Point with recognizable local and regional brands, the development taps into consumer preferences for convenience and lifestyle‑oriented destinations, reinforcing Wilmington’s appeal as a modern urban hub.

Center Point’s Phase I marks a pivotal moment, delivering more than 13,000 sq ft of retail space to five distinct operators. Nest Interiors and Blended Shoes share a combined storefront, while Burton’s Grill & Bar, Thompson’s of Wilmington, and Jeff’s Bagel Run diversify the food‑and‑fashion offering. The joint venture between The Beach Co., a Charleston‑based developer, and Swain & Associates brings together regional market insight and local execution, accelerating construction timelines and ensuring the project aligns with community expectations. The 18‑acre site, adjacent to Mayfaire Town Center and Wrightsville Beach, benefits from high traffic corridors, making it a strategic node for both shoppers and residents.

Looking ahead, Center Point’s full build‑out will exceed 100,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space, complemented by the 265‑unit Sterling residential complex and dedicated office areas. This scale positions the development as a catalyst for further economic activity, potentially spurring ancillary projects and attracting ancillary services. Investors watch such mixed‑use ventures closely, as they often deliver higher occupancy stability and diversified revenue streams compared to single‑use assets. As Wilmington continues to attract new businesses and residents, Center Point exemplifies how thoughtfully curated tenant mixes can drive sustained growth in secondary markets.