What is CityPlace?

• ​CityPlace will be a rental community of moderate-income seniors and young adults with disabilities.

• CityPlace will be built in two phases, totaling 16 homes. Phase One will consist of 4 two-story homes with 2 - 4 bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, and shared living room, dining area, kitchen, and laundry. A first floor bedroom and bathroom in each home will be accessible.

• Four additional homes will be one bedroom with bathroom, living and dining areas, laundry and kitchen.  All spaces will be accessible.

• CityPlace Phase Two will include 8 homes with one to three bedrooms and will be built when Phase One homes are occupied.

• All homes will include outdoor living space, enhancing the perception of a spacious dwelling. A community green space, shaded by a magnolia tree, will provide an outdoor gathering place for CityPlace activities.

 

Where will CityPlace be?

• CityPlace will be located on property adjacent to and owned by St. Luke AME Zion Church.  The buildings will be on the block bounded by Church Street, 8th Street, Nun Street, and Wilson Street in downtown Wilmington.  ​

 

When will CityPlace be built?

• A long-term ground lease for the property has been signed and funds have been raised for all of the initial pre-construction work such as surveys, designs, environmental, and engineering evaluations.

• Construction is planned to begin in 2026.  

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Who is developing CityPlace?

• CityPlace is a project of CityPlace Connected Community (C3), a non-profit organization created jointly by Comprehensive Care of Wilmington and IndependentWorks.  C3 is working in partnership with Wesley Community Development, a non-profit affordable housing developer in Huntersville, NC.

• The historic St. Luke AME Zion Church has agreed to lease its unused property to C3 under a 50+ year land lease.  Its congregants are active members of the C3 Advisory Committee.

 

Who can live there?

• CityPlace is a community of older adults with moderate income and adults with disabilities. 

• C3 will abide by all Fair Housing regulations.  Residents will be chosen according to appropriateness for living in CityPlace - those with the greatest likelihood of success in the community.

 

How many people can live there?

• There will be space for 34 tenants.

 

How much will CityPlace cost?

• Rents will be affordable for persons of moderate income.

 

Will I have any kind of support if I live there?

• CityPlace will provide in-home safety devices monitored around the clock.  An array of technology including intrusion alarms, fall detection, emergency stove and water shut-off, and other “smart” features will give our residents the security of knowing that help is at hand and to maximize their ability to remain successful in the community.

• CityPlace will offer optional social activities and offer assistance in identifying community resources to meet residents’ changing needs. Otherwise, CityPlace will be a housing community rather than a group home or assisted living facility.

• Residents may bring in their own additional support services through Medicaid, Medicare, or private pay.

 

Will there be access to public transportation?

• Yes. CityPlace is located along Wave transit and DART bus routes. 

• The free public trolley or City bus stops are nearby.

• Bicycles will be an option for reaching many destinations. 

• Residents who are unable to use the public bus may qualify for DART, the City's van service for disabled or frail Wilmingtonians.

 

Will I be close to shopping and entertainment?

• Yes, CityPlace is within walking distance to a community center, restaurants, places of worship, and shops.

• CityPlace will form a “pocket neighborhood” close to destinations that matter to its residents. Restaurants, the library, the riverfront, and events venues will all be easily accessible on foot or by free trolley. 

• The surrounding neighborhood includes the Martin Luther King Community Center with sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts, a public swimming pool, and a gymnasium. 

• Nearby Castle Street is experiencing new growth of housing and retail locations and will include the necessities and amenities that contribute to a convenient and stimulating lifestyle.

 

Why build CityPlace?

• CityPlace is a model project in which young adults with disabilities and older adults will be provided with "Housing-With-Supports".    

• While very different, the target populations share two basic requirements for successful lives within the community: affordable housing, and on-site supportive resources and referrals. 

• CityPlace will model a socially responsible approach to maintaining seniors and people with disabilities within the larger community where they can live fulfilling lives.

 

I want to invest in CityPlace. How can I do that?

• We welcome relationships with all types of funders. For a one-time donation, please click on the "How Can I Help?" tab at the top of the page. If you would like to have a conversation with CityPlace leadership, please send a message on the "Contact Us" page. Someone will respond to you shortly.