Harrelson Center

McKinley Building Corporation has partnered with the Harrelson Center on multiple renovation projects since 2007 involving the transformation of the former New Hanover County jail into a collaborative nonprofit campus serving the Wilmington community.

Spanning approximately 85,000 square feet, the adaptive reuse project converted the existing institutional facility into office, classroom, meeting, and community support space for more than twenty nonprofit organizations.

The phased redevelopment required extensive renovation, infrastructure modernization, and careful coordination within an occupied multi-tenant environment while preserving the functionality and mission-driven focus of the facility.

Most recently completed in 2021, renovations to the fourth and fifth floors created Class A office and classroom environments designed to support continued nonprofit growth and community programming. The space was named the Vicky Dull Annex in honor of Vicky Dull’s years of service and commitment to the organization.

Designed by Bruce Bowman of BMH Architecture, the project reflects McKinley’s long-standing commitment to community-focused development and meaningful adaptive reuse projects that create lasting local impact.

Project Highlights

• 85,000 SF adaptive reuse redevelopment 
• Former New Hanover County jail conversion 
• Home to more than 20 nonprofit organizations 
• Multi-phase renovation completed over several years 
• Class A classroom and office renovations 
• Occupied multi-tenant renovation environment 
• Community-focused nonprofit campus