WILMINGTON — The Club at Midtown, a private recreational facility in a neighborhood off Holly Tree Road, has announced its grand opening on Nov. 6, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Though the club will only be accessible to members, the opening event is open to the public — per RSVP. The even will feature a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, passed appetizers, complimentary beer and wine, and an opportunity to explore the club, meet our team, and connect with fellow guests and members of the community.
Built on the former Holly Tree Racquet Club site, The Club at Midtown features 11 indoor, air-conditioned cushioned pickleball courts, four outdoor covered and cushioned pickleball courts, two clay tennis courts, Full Swing golf and game simulators, a Junior Olympic-size resort-style pool with pool house and steam room, a fitness center, and an exclusive members’ restaurant, café, and bar. Designed as one of the largest racquet and social clubs in the region, the club is intended to host leagues, tournaments, social events and year-round programming.
“We created The Club at Midtown as a place where members can compete, unwind, and build lasting connections,” managing partner Mike Harms said in a press release. “It is designed for active lifestyles and genuine community right in the heart of Midtown.”
The expansion of the club was approved in 2025; at the time, several neighbors tried to speak against the expanded facility due to concerns over traffic from increased members and a suspected decrease in property values, mainly due to noise associated with outdoor pickleball courts.
However, many of the speakers were determined not to have standing, a measure required in quasi-judicial hearings before the Wilmington City Council. Because the facility opened in 1994 before the city’s zoning ordinance, the expansion required a special use permit.
Several conditions were part of the special use permit approval. Memberships are to be capped at 800, with the club reporting around 400 at the time of approval. Other conditions include that outdoor courts will include use of quiet paddles on outdoor courts, as well as other soundproofing measures. The were limited to 9 p.m. outdoors and 10 p.m. indoors and all tournament play will be prohibited on the outdoor courts.
The club does have plans for additional amenities and experiences in 2027, including bocce ball, badminton, and cornhole near the outdoor courts, along with a dedicated Mahjong room. The pool is scheduled to be replastered and heated in preparation for an enhanced 2027 pool season.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
