Brush clearing work along 17th Street just south of Cameron Art Museum is signaling the start of what could be decades of development.
Drivers have noticed the site work conducted beside 17th north of George Anderson Drive, where a brush fire burned several acres last year. That area is part of a large tract of land that is slated for a major mixed-use development.
Cameron Properties, which owns the tract that spans both sides of Independence Boulevard between 17th and Carolina Beach Road, recently received rezoning approval from the City of Wilmington for Barclay West, a large-scale mixed-use project that is planned to include office, residential and business uses.
Hill Rogers, broker-in-charge for Cameron Management, said site crews are currently in initial stages of civil engineering work related to the development. The area at 17th and George Anderson Drive has also been kept clear, he said, for site upkeep and to discourage potential squatters.
Rogers said the fire that plagued the property in 2012 was caused by a homeless camp hidden in the area. Several trees along George Anderson Drive bear signs that state “No trespassing.”
Barclay West, comprising just over 300 acres, is projected for build-out by 2027, according to documents filed with the city. Cameron Properties plans a mix of single-family and multifamily residential uses, along with commercial and office uses and open space planned in a neighborhood concept.
According to a traffic impact analysis, Barclay West is planned to consist of 1,375 residential units, a 1.48-million-square-foot shopping center, a supermarket, restaurants, and medical and general office buildings.
Cameron Management was established, according to its website, “to more effectively manage the investments, businesses and properties of brothers Bruce B. Cameron and Dan D. Cameron and their families.” The company manages more than a half million square feet of improved property in Wilmington and an inventory of undeveloped land in the city and unincorporated New Hanover County.
Jonathan Spiers is a reporter for Port City Daily. He can be reached at (910) 772-6313 or [email protected]. On Twitter: @jrspiers
