Wilmington businesses face demolition for Carolina Beach Road widening

The Greenfield Lake Yacht Club is the latest local business set to be demolished as part of the state's transportation project.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:04am

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a collection of polished, geometric objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract corporate forces behind a transportation infrastructure project that is displacing a local business.As a historic local business faces demolition for a major road widening project, the image reflects the broader impact of infrastructure changes on community character and small enterprises.Wilmington Today

Several businesses in Wilmington, North Carolina, including the Greenfield Lake Yacht Club, are facing demolition as part of the state's plans to widen and improve Carolina Beach Road. The project, which is in the right-of-way acquisition phase, will eventually span from South Front Street to Shipyard Boulevard and include upgrades such as four lanes, a grassy median, and improved pedestrian safety features. In total, 13 buildings will need to be relocated, and the Greenfield Lake Yacht Club, a locally owned bar that opened about three years ago, is the latest affected business.

Why it matters

The Carolina Beach Road widening project is part of the state's efforts to reduce congestion, improve safety, and minimize conflicts with rail traffic in the area. However, the demolition of long-standing local businesses like the Greenfield Lake Yacht Club highlights the impact that infrastructure projects can have on the community, especially small, independently owned establishments.

The details

The Greenfield Lake Yacht Club, a locally owned and operated bar, is the latest business set to be demolished as part of the Carolina Beach Road widening project. The owners, William Mellon and his business partner, opened the bar about three years ago, expecting the project might affect them eventually, but they weren't prepared for the timeline to be moved up. NCDOT officials say the project will upgrade South Front Street to four lanes, add a grassy median, minimize driveways, and improve pedestrian safety features. In total, 13 buildings will need to be relocated as part of the project.

  • The project entered the right-of-way acquisition phase in late 2025 and started actively coordinating with impacted property owners.
  • Bidding for construction on the project is scheduled for the summer of 2029.
  • The Greenfield Lake Yacht Club's last day open will be Sunday, April 26, 2026, and they have to be out of the building by May 1, 2026.

The players

Greenfield Lake Yacht Club

A locally owned and operated bar that is facing demolition as part of the Carolina Beach Road widening project.

William Mellon

The co-owner of the Greenfield Lake Yacht Club.

JT Lee and Sons propane gas company

A business that had been in the area for about 100 years and was recently demolished as part of the project.

NCDOT

The North Carolina Department of Transportation, which is overseeing the Carolina Beach Road widening project.

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What they’re saying

“Progress is progress, and I totally get it happens, and there are people that benefit from it and people that don't.”

— William Mellon, Co-owner, Greenfield Lake Yacht Club

“For me, the reality starts setting in, and you get this uneasy feeling in your stomach, you get emotional.”

— William Mellon, Co-owner, Greenfield Lake Yacht Club

What’s next

NCDOT officials say they haven't closed on the purchase of the Greenfield Lake Yacht Club, so it's still in negotiations. The project's construction bidding is scheduled for the summer of 2029.

The takeaway

The Carolina Beach Road widening project highlights the tension between infrastructure improvements and the impact on local businesses and community character. While the project aims to address traffic congestion and safety, the demolition of long-standing local establishments like the Greenfield Lake Yacht Club underscores the need for careful planning and support for affected businesses during major transportation initiatives.