New Addition to Downtown Wilmington , NC by Michael Mesnard, AIA

Located on a 7.5-acre tract of land along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington , the new world headquarters for PPD is a significant addition to the city. At 12 stories and 440,000 square feet, the project is one of the largest of its kind in the area. Designed to lend prominence to the site, the building will be part of a future development that will include a marina, office, retail and residential components. 

According to our Mayor, “PPD will be the anchor and the foundation for the total revitalization of the northern riverfront in downtown Wilmington . Their commitment to bring 2,000 jobs and invest $80 million in our Downtown will provide the economic stimulus to continue the renaissance of our riverfront and our entire downtown area. Combined with the proposed hotel and convention center, the PPD Project brings the total new investment in our northern riverfront district to over $200 million. Success drives success, and this is a success story of which the entire community can be proud.”  

Brick and precast are used on the base to further emphasize the building’s connection to downtown. The site is fronted by a landscaped walking plaza and visitor drop-off area, and a structured parking deck sits beneath and adjacent to the building. Currently under construction, Bovis Lend Lease, the General Contractor, is scheduled to complete the building in November of 2006.

....... And there is more ....... view news about our new Convention Center.