Building More Than Structures

Industrial Construction Continues to Drive Regional Growth

Despite continued uncertainty surrounding interest rates, tariffs, and broader economic conditions, the industrial construction market across Southeastern North Carolina remains one of the strongest sectors of the regional economy. Manufacturers, distributors, and logistics-related businesses continue to invest in new facilities and expansions, reinforcing the Wilmington region’s position as a growing hub for industry and commerce.

During the first half of 2026 alone, McKinley Building Corporation completed, commenced construction on, or provided preconstruction services for more than 1.3 million square feet of industrial and manufacturing space across Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties. This activity reflects not only the strength of the local market, but also the confidence companies continue to place in the region’s workforce, transportation infrastructure, and long-term growth prospects.

Several notable projects have contributed to this momentum. Construction activity continued at the Wilmington Trade Center, one of the largest industrial developments in the region, while manufacturers such as Polyhose and Quality Chemical Laboratories (QCL) advanced significant expansion plans to support continued growth and increased production capacity. McKinley also celebrated the completion of Coastal Millwork’s new headquarters and manufacturing facility at Blue Clay Business Park, providing a modern home for one of Wilmington’s premier locally owned manufacturers. In addition, work progressed on the Coastal Beverage distribution facility, a project that will further strengthen the region’s supply chain and distribution infrastructure.

Underlying this activity are several long-term economic drivers. The Port of Wilmington, access to Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 74/76, a growing labor force, and continued investment from economic development organizations have combined to make Southeastern North Carolina an attractive destination for both domestic and international companies. Additionally, ongoing reshoring efforts and supply chain diversification strategies continue to generate interest from manufacturers seeking to establish or expand operations within the United States.

While certain commercial sectors have experienced a slower pace of activity, industrial construction has remained remarkably resilient. The continued investment by existing companies, coupled with the recruitment of new employers, has created a strong pipeline of opportunities that supports job creation, capital investment, and long-term economic growth throughout Brunswick and New Hanover Counties.

As we look toward the second half of the year, McKinley remains encouraged by the strength of the industrial market and is proud to partner with clients who are investing in the future of our region.

Healthcare Construction Supports a Growing Region

As Brunswick County continues to experience significant population growth, investments in healthcare infrastructure remain essential to ensuring residents have access to high-quality care close to home. McKinley is proud to continue supporting healthcare providers as they expand services to meet the needs of our rapidly growing communities.

During the first half of 2026, McKinley completed two healthcare projects for Novant Health, including the expansion of the Novant Health Oceanside Family Medicine Clinic in Shallotte and a new outpatient clinic upfit in Leland. The Shallotte project added four new infusion bays, increasing the facility’s capacity to deliver critical treatments while enhancing patient comfort and convenience. Together, these projects demonstrate Novant Health’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to care and investing in the healthcare infrastructure needed to serve Brunswick County’s growing population.

Healthcare construction requires careful planning and execution to minimize disruptions to ongoing patient care while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. Whether expanding an existing clinic or transforming interior space into a modern outpatient facility, these projects play an important role in helping providers deliver exceptional care to the communities they serve.

McKinley is grateful for the opportunity to continue its longstanding partnership with Novant Health and contribute to projects that have a direct and lasting impact on the health and well-being of residents throughout Southeastern North Carolina.

Progress Continues at Coastal Horizons Administrative Headquarters

Construction continues to advance on the new Coastal Horizons Administrative Headquarters, a project that will provide a modern and efficient home for one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations.

A major milestone was recently achieved with the successful panel lift, marking a significant step forward in the construction process. Utilizing tilt-up construction, the project benefits from a building method known for its durability, speed of construction, and long-term performance. While the precision planning, skilled tradespeople, and heavy equipment required to execute a panel lift are substantial, the process is a testament to the coordination and expertise of the entire project team.

Once complete, the new facility will serve as a central hub for Coastal Horizons as the organization continues its mission of providing behavioral health services, substance use treatment, crisis intervention, child welfare programs, and support services throughout Southeastern North Carolina. The building has been designed to support Coastal Horizons’ growing operations while creating a welcoming environment for staff, clients, and community partners.

McKinley is proud to partner with Coastal Horizons on a project that will have a lasting impact on the communities they serve. We look forward to sharing additional updates as construction progresses toward completion.

Construction Underway on New Parkway Subaru Dealership

McKinley is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with Parkway Automotive as construction progresses on the new Parkway Subaru dealership on Market Street in Wilmington. This project marks our third completed or active project with this outstanding client, reflecting a relationship built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality.

The new facility will provide nearly 50,000 square feet of modern automotive sales and service space designed to enhance the customer experience while supporting Parkway Subaru’s continued growth in the Wilmington market. The dealership will feature a state-of-the-art showroom, customer lounge, retail parts area, vehicle delivery center, administrative offices, and an expansive service department equipped to meet the needs of Subaru owners throughout the region.

As Wilmington continues to grow, so does the demand for high-quality automotive sales and service facilities. The new dealership represents a significant investment by Parkway Automotive in both the customer experience and the future of the local market. Designed to showcase the Subaru brand while providing operational efficiency for employees, the facility will serve as a destination for customers throughout Southeastern North Carolina.

McKinley is honored to once again partner with Parkway Automotive on this exciting project. We appreciate the confidence they continue to place in our team and look forward to delivering another facility that supports their long-term success and continued growth in the Wilmington community.

Christian Brothers Automotive Nears Completion: Christian Brothers Automotive – Wilmington, NC

McKinley Building Corporation is proud to be constructing a new Christian Brothers Automotive facility on Jasmine Cove Way in Wilmington. The ground-up project will bring one of the nation’s most respected automotive service brands to the rapidly growing northern Wilmington market.

Designed to deliver a first-class customer experience, the facility will feature multiple service bays, customer reception and waiting areas, management offices, employee support spaces, and extensive site improvements. The project incorporates modern mechanical and ventilation systems engineered specifically for automotive service operations, creating a comfortable environment for both customers and technicians.

Once complete, the new location will expand access to professional automotive maintenance and repair services while supporting continued commercial growth in the area. McKinley is proud to partner with the ownership and design team to bring this investment to the Wilmington community.

Midtown Flats Completed: Midtown Flats – Wilmington, NC

McKinley Building Corporation recently completed Midtown Flats, a new multifamily community located on Peachtree Avenue in Wilmington’s growing Midtown district. The development features 34 thoughtfully designed one-bedroom apartments that provide residents with modern, efficient living options in one of the city’s most convenient locations.

Strategically situated near employment centers, shopping, dining, and healthcare services, Midtown Flats was designed to meet the increasing demand for quality housing within Wilmington’s urban core while supporting the continued revitalization of the Midtown corridor.

As Wilmington continues to experience population growth and housing demand, projects like Midtown Flats play an important role in expanding housing options and supporting long-term economic development. McKinley is proud to have partnered with the ownership and design team to bring this community to life.

McKim & Creed’s New Headquarters Space Delivered in Downtown Wilmington

McKinley recently completed the 20,000-square-foot office upfit for McKim & Creed on the 8th floor of Wilmington’s Skyline Center, delivering a modern workspace designed to support the firm’s continued growth and collaboration.

The project transformed an entire floor of Class A office space into a sophisticated and highly functional environment tailored to McKim & Creed’s operational needs and company culture. Successfully delivering a project of this scale on a fast-track, five-month schedule required exceptional planning, coordination, and teamwork among the owner, design team, subcontractors, and project leadership.

McKinley extends its appreciation to the talented team at LS3P for their outstanding architectural design and partnership throughout the project. We also recognize the efforts of Project Manager Lyle Hagwood and Superintendent Greg Pfountz, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in bringing the project to a successful finish.

We are grateful to McKim & Creed for the opportunity to be part of this exciting project and are proud to have delivered a workspace that will support their team for years to come.

McKinley Projects Earn Recognition at Cape Fear CREW Awards

McKinley Building Corporation was proud to have three projects recognized at the 8th Annual Cape Fear CREW Awards, highlighting the impact that collaboration, thoughtful design, and strong partnerships continue to have across Southeastern North Carolina.

Leading the way was the New Hanover County Community Justice Center, which received the Community Enhancement Award (Projects Under $5 Million). Located within The Harrelson Center campus in downtown Wilmington, the Community Justice Center serves as a centralized resource for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse. The project transformed existing space into a welcoming, trauma-informed environment where multiple agencies can work together to provide critical support services under one roof.

The Community Justice Center was made possible through the collaboration of Ben David and the Community Justice Center team, Meade Van Pelt and The Harrelson Center, Bruce Bowman of BMH Architects, Jennifer Kraner of Big Sky Design, and McKinley’s Ken Dull, Chase Jarrett, and Greg Pfountz.

McKinley was also honored to celebrate award nominations for two additional projects. The Coastal Millwork Supply Co. / Risley Padula Expansion at Blue Clay Business Park represents a significant investment in local manufacturing and workforce growth. The new facility provides Coastal Millwork with a modern headquarters and production space that will support continued expansion while serving as an anchor project within Blue Clay Business Park. The project team included Bob Padula, Steve Risley, and Jim Risley of Coastal Millwork; Stephen Nunn, Chad Hodges, Andrew Cooke, and Bob McCarthy of McKinley; Scott Satterfield and Cliff Pyron Jr. of Wilmington Business Development; J. Clark Hipp of Hipp Architecture & Development; Jeremy Blair of Paramounte Engineering; and New Hanover County.

Also recognized was The Salvation Army Center of Hope, a transformative project that expanded the organization’s ability to serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness and hardship throughout the Cape Fear region. The project reflects the power of community partnerships and a shared commitment to creating lasting positive impact. Key team members included Major Ken Morris of The Salvation Army, Lyle Hagwood and Jason Marella of McKinley, Charles Boney of LS3P, Rick Moore of McKim & Creed, and the City of Wilmington.

These recognitions reflect more than successful construction projects—they represent partnerships that strengthen our community, support economic growth, and improve the lives of those who live and work throughout Southeastern North Carolina. We are grateful to Cape Fear CREW for the recognition and congratulate all of this year’s award winners and nominees.