One year ago, plans were in motion for a new shopping center in Hampstead, North Carolina. The project was spearheaded by Tanner Postal Commercial Real Estate LLC, a company based in Boca Raton, Florida, and affiliated with Impeccable Development LLC, a firm known for its retail and multi-family projects in the Carolinas. The developers aimed to bring a retail center with restaurants to a 42-acre tract along the western side of U.S. 17, just south of the N.C. 210 intersection. While specific tenants were not confirmed, brands like Popeye’s, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, and AutoZone were associated with the developer.
According to Brandi Cobb, communications manager for Pender County, the master development plan for the Hampstead shopping center successfully passed through the technical review and was approved in July 2023. The next step in the process would involve a major site plan application, which necessitates zoning approval. Cobb clarified that since the property is by-right, the project would not need to go before the Board of Commissioners or the Planning Board.
As of now, no additional applications for the project have been submitted, and there are no ongoing discussions between the county staff and the developers. The site plan approval is valid until July 13, 2025. Cobb mentioned that the county’s website would be updated with any new application information, and property owners within 500 feet of the project would be notified.
The land where the shopping center was proposed is owned by Hampstead Partners LLC, a Wilmington-based entity. However, it remains uncertain whether the developers plan to move forward with the project. Previously listed on Impeccable Development’s website under the „under development“ section, details about the shopping center are no longer available on the site. Despite attempts to reach out to the development company for comment, no response has been received.
The proposed shopping center was set to be built on the same land that hosts the N.C. Spot Festival. Organizers had initially started making arrangements to relocate the festival due to the impending construction. However, festival chairman Keith Ramsey confirmed that the land sale fell through, and the festival will remain at its current location for the upcoming year.
In conclusion, while plans for the shopping center in Hampstead appeared promising a year ago, the project now seems to have hit a standstill. The future of the development remains uncertain, leaving the community and festival organizers in limbo. Only time will tell if the project will be revived or if new plans will emerge for the 42-acre tract along U.S. 17.