title
Ordinance Designating the Wilmington Iron Works Building at 201 South Water Street as a Local Historic Landmark
body
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Department: |
Planning & Development |
Meeting Date: |
11/18/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Ben Riggle |
Public Hearing: |
Yes |
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Contact Phone: |
910.341.3251 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
November 7, 2025; November 14, 2025/StarNews |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance; Attachment #2: Case Summary; Attachment #3: Local Landmark Application; Attachment #4: Case Map; Attachment #5: District Map; Attachment #6: NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources Letter; Attachment #7: Archaeological Review; Attachment #8: Sanborn Maps |
PURPOSE:
The applicant proposes to designate the Wilmington Iron Works Building at 201 South Water Street (“Property”) as a Local Historic Landmark.
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §§160D-945 and 160D-946, and Chapter 18, Article 3, Division V of the City Code, the City has the authority to designate local historic landmarks. This ordinance would designate the Property, excluding the interior of the building, as a local historic landmark, and major alterations to the exterior would be required to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (“HPC”) for approval of a certificate of appropriateness ("COA"). Designation as a local historic landmark also makes the owner of the Property eligible for a 50% property tax deferral.
The Wilmington Iron Works Machine Shop tells an important story in the City’s economic history. The structure housed a succession of businesses that contributed materially to the City and region’s development and spanned several different industries. The Property began its life as a naval stores warehouse in the 19th century and is today one of the last remaining structures connected to Wilmington’s naval stores industry. The structure was adapted as an ironworks in the 20th century, when war, agriculture, and the expanding railroad network provided demand for metal goods. The Property became a tourist attraction in the 21st century. Each of these transitions follows the City’s transformation into the community that it is today.
In July 2025, the HPC approved placing the Property on the local landmark study list. Following the review of an application for local landmark designation, on September 11, 2025, the HPCunanimously recommended that City Council consider the Property for local landmark designation.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
The costs to the City are the purchase of a commemorative plaque and a 50% percent annual deferral of property taxes at this location.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends approval of the local landmark designation.