In St. James, the Homer E. Wright Event Center is where a lot of community life happens: club meetings, dances, property owners’ association gatherings, classes and celebrations. It is also busy enough that residents have been asking for more room. That expansion is now moving from ideas to drawings. At an Oct. 22, 2026 work session, St. James Town Council heard that the project has entered the design phase, with completion targeted for September 2028. Here is what was presented and what it means for owners and buyers.
Where the Project Stands
According to The State Port Pilot’s Nov. 4, 2026 report, Doug Sherwood of Sawyer, Sherwood & Associates briefed council on the project’s progress. Schematic drawings were completed in September, and a team of engineers and architects is now working on design development.
The timeline
- October 2026: Design development phase began, involving the project’s consultants.
- June 2027: Target for finished construction documents and site permit approvals. Sherwood noted state stormwater permitting involves a 90-day review period with public comment, and the team expects two cycles.
- September 2028: Expected project completion under the current timeline.
“The end goal is what everybody is looking for: more residential gathering space,” Sherwood told council, according to the Pilot.
What the Expansion Could Include
Renderings shown to council featured:
- A front facade facelift
- Better circulation inside the building
- A large multipurpose room that can be divided into smaller spaces
- Several game and meeting rooms
- Up to three administrative offices near a front vestibule
Town Manager Jeff Repp said the work is being coordinated with audio/visual upgrades at St. James Town Hall next door. Councilman Bill Miller asked the designers to keep physical security in mind as plans develop.
How We Got Here
The center opened in 2009. In July 2025, consultants presented a space and needs study that, as the Pilot reported at the time, found the building well used, with demand for both large and small spaces and events on a waiting list. One option studied added 5,275 square feet to the front of the building for about $4 million. For the current 2026-27 fiscal year, council budgeted $400,000 for architectural drawings of the expansion.
Final construction costs have not been set, and design work often changes scope. Treat the 2025 estimate as context, not a final price.
What It Means for St. James Homeowners
For many St. James residents, the event center is a big part of daily life, and more flexible space could mean fewer scheduling conflicts for clubs and groups. A few things to keep an eye on:
- Cost and funding: As design advances, council will have to decide how to pay for construction. Watch town budget discussions in spring 2027.
- Construction disruption: Building work near the town center could affect parking and event scheduling while it is under way.
- Public input: Stormwater permitting includes public comment, and council work sessions are open to residents.
What It Means for Buyers
Buyers often choose St. James for its amenities and active social life, and a larger, updated event center fits that picture. As with any planned project, buy based on what is there today, and look at the town’s long-term plans as a bonus. When you compare St. James with other Brunswick County communities, ask about:
- POA and club dues, and what they include
- How busy amenities are at different times of year
- Town tax rates in addition to Brunswick County taxes
Our guide to moving to St. James covers the community in more depth, and our golf community buyer’s guide explains what to check in any club community. If you already own and are thinking about a move, our St. James winter seller’s guide can help.
St. James Event Center FAQ
When will the expanded Homer E. Wright Event Center open?
The current timeline targets completion by September 2028, according to the project architect.
How much will the expansion cost?
A final cost has not been set. A 2025 study estimated about $4 million for one option adding 5,275 square feet, and council budgeted $400,000 this year for architectural drawings.
What will be added?
Renderings show a facade update, a dividable multipurpose room, game and meeting rooms, and up to three administrative offices.
Can residents weigh in?
Yes. Council work sessions are public, and state stormwater permitting includes a public comment period.
Explore St. James With Aspyre Collective
St. James offers a lot, and the right neighborhood within it depends on how you like to live. Get in touch with Aspyre Collective to tour homes in St. James and compare it with nearby Southport and Oak Island.
