South Front Apartments Will Bring Urban, Contemporary Living to former Public Housing Project

Release Date: Tuesday, February 15th 2011

Developer’s LEED-driven renovation takes former Nesbitt Courts from urban blight to sophisticated rental community.

Wilmington, North Carolina -- The former Nesbitt Courts public housing project is undergoing a thorough renovation that will replace what was an example of urban blight with a contemporary apartment community well-suited to sophisticated urban living. Tribute Properties, developers of the project, purchased Nesbitt Courts from the Wilmington Housing Authority in October, 2010, with plans to follow sustainable building practices and redevelop the project into a thriving rental neighborhood. South Front Apartments is expected to be completed by late summer 2011, offering downtown Wilmington some 216 newly refurbished apartments, along with a full menu of amenities that take advantage of the property’s proximity to downtown, Greenfield Lake and Park and the Cape Fear River. Reservations for apartments can be made by calling 910-251-2391.

“Other developers may have looked at the site as suitable only to tear down and rebuild from scratch,” said Kellie Morris, marketing director of Tribute Properties. “But, our perspective viewed the project differently and we recognized that the foundation was already here for a successful rental community.” Tribute Properties has developed and now manages some 21 rental communities throughout the Carolinas, and their corporate offices are located within a stone’s throw of the project. “We know well what appeals to the rental community and we see everyday the potential in this part of Wilmington. It’s an ideal site for an upscale urban apartment community,” she said.

Driven to LEED
Ms. Morris and the project’s architect, Cothran Harris, are hopeful of achieving a LEED Silver certification for the project. The project team also includes Marshall Dunlap, A LEED-certifier with North Carolina State University’s Solar Center, who serves to guide the project toward a LEED Silver certification. “Renovating a building is the ultimate act of recycling,” says Mr. Harris. The 22 buildings on the site were constructed with solid concrete and masonry, which is rarely used in residential building today, let alone in multi-family construction.

But beyond simply saving the building’ envelope is how the developer intends to renovate the interior. The original concrete floors will be sanded and sealed to reveal the colorful aggregate used in their composition. Each residence will be equipped with a mini-split HVAC system that provides programmable thermostats in nearly every living space, as opposed to single thermostats for each unit. All appliances will be Energy Star® rated and other interior finishes, such as concrete countertops seek to add to the sustainable claim, while also contributing to the urban sophistication of each home.

Amenities, Old and New, Contribute to the Urban Lifestyle
Also contributing the project’s success will be the apartments’ and community’s amenities. South Front Apartments will offer a variety of one and two bedroom floor plans. The community center will include a fitness area, outdoor pool, media screening room, billiards, chef’s kitchen and rooftop community garden. And, to take advantage of South Front’s proximity to downtown, Greenfield Lake and the Cape Fear River, bikes and kayaks will be available to all residents. “We look to satisfy the expectations of today’s renter looking for amenities that contribute to an urban, sophisticated lifestyle,” said Ms. Morris, adding, “but we take pride in the fact that what remains from Nesbitt Courts--sidewalks, mature trees and pedestrian benches—will deliver equally to our residents’ quality of life.”

For more information about South Front Apartments or to reserve an apartment, call 910-251-2391.