One of the larger redevelopment sites in central Wilmington is moving toward construction. According to a Greater Wilmington Business Journal report published Nov. 12, 2026, developers have submitted plans to the City of Wilmington for the first phase of The Glen, a proposed apartment and townhome community at 4851 University Drive, directly across South College Road from UNCW. Here is what the project includes and what it could mean for nearby homeowners, renters and investors.
What Is Proposed at The Glen
The development site spans three parcels and nearly 39 acres near the intersection of South College Road and Randall Parkway. It is the former location of The Glen Apartments, which, according to the Business Journal, sustained significant damage during Hurricane Florence and was later demolished.
Plans for the first phase were submitted to the city in late October and include:
- 284 rental units: 240 apartments and 44 townhomes
- Four four-story apartment buildings and six two-story townhome buildings
- One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus townhomes with two- and three-bedroom layouts
- A clubhouse, pool, fitness center, work and study spaces, parks and outdoor gathering areas
Phase 1 covers 16.75 acres. Site plans show a second phase of just over 10 acres and a third phase of just over 12 acres, but the developer did not share details on those later phases.
Who Is Behind It and When It Could Start
Brian Eckel, cofounder of Cape Fear Holdings, which includes Cape Fear Development, told the Business Journal the team began planning The Glen in 2025 and noted the site is already zoned for the housing they envisioned. Developers are targeting the first quarter of 2027 to start Phase 1, though Eckel said “a few steps remain” before a groundbreaking date can be announced. Construction is expected to take about 18 months.
As of Nov. 12, the project had not yet been scheduled for review by the city’s Technical Review Committee, according to the report. That means the timeline could still shift.
What It Could Mean for Nearby Homeowners
The University Drive and South College Road area already blends student housing, older single-family neighborhoods, shopping at University Centre and major employers. Eckel pointed to UNCW, University Centre, Novant Health and New Hanover County as reasons the site works for multifamily housing.
For owners nearby, a few things are worth watching:
- Traffic and access. South College Road is one of Wilmington’s busiest corridors. The city has named College Road improvements a top road priority; see our post on College Road upgrades and Wilmington’s road priorities.
- Construction activity. If work begins in 2027, expect about a year and a half of site work and building on the first phase.
- Trees and green space. Eckel said including townhomes gave the developers more flexibility to preserve trees and green space. Final site details will come through the city’s review process.
- Redevelopment of a vacant site. Putting a long-cleared property back into use can change how a corridor looks and functions, which some nearby owners welcome and others approach cautiously.
What It Could Mean for Renters and Investors
Eckel said the team expects strong interest from upperclassmen and graduate students, as well as UNCW faculty and staff, and that the townhomes are meant to widen the appeal to professionals and people relocating to Wilmington.
For renters, more new supply near campus means more choice in a part of town where demand has been steady. UNCW’s growth is part of that story; we covered it in UNCW’s record enrollment and parking expansion.
For small investors who own rental homes or condos near the university, a professionally managed community with a pool, clubhouse and fitness center is new competition, especially for tenants who value amenities. It is also a reminder to keep your own rentals well maintained and competitively priced. For broader context, read our recaps of the tightening Wilmington apartment market and apartment vacancy trends.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Rental Near UNCW
- Who is your target tenant: students, faculty, hospital staff or young professionals?
- How will your property compare with new amenity-rich communities?
- Does the HOA, if any, restrict rentals or the number of unrelated occupants?
- What are realistic vacancy and turnover costs between academic years?
FAQ: The Glen Near UNCW
Where is The Glen?
At 4851 University Drive in Wilmington, near South College Road and Randall Parkway, across South College Road from UNCW.
How many homes are planned?
The first phase includes 284 rental units: 240 apartments and 44 townhomes. Details for Phases 2 and 3 have not been released.
When will construction start?
Developers are targeting the first quarter of 2027, with construction expected to take about 18 months, but no groundbreaking date has been announced.
Are these homes for sale?
No. According to the plans described by the Business Journal, the first phase consists of rental units in a professionally managed community.
Thinking About Buying or Selling Near UNCW?
Whether you own a home near campus, are weighing a rental investment or simply want to know how new projects affect your neighborhood, local guidance helps. Talk with Aspyre Collective about your plans in central Wilmington.
