If 2024 was the year of residential bidding wars, 2026 is the year of commercial infrastructure. For real estate investors and homeowners in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties, the narrative has shifted. The question is no longer “Where will people live?” but “Where will they shop, work, and heal?”

This year, we aren't just looking at blueprints; we are looking at ribbon cuttings. Major developments that have been rumors for years are finally opening their doors. Here is your insider forecast on the commercial heavyweights arriving in 2026 and how they will reshape property values next door.

1. The Pender Powerhouse: Amazon & The Bypass

For years, Pender County was seen as a bedroom community for Wilmington. In late 2026, it becomes an economic engine in its own right.

Project Whale Surfaces: The massive Amazon Fulfillment Center at Pender Commerce Park is on track for a Fall 2026 launch. This isn't just a warehouse; it’s a 3-million-square-foot facility bringing over 1,000 full-time jobs.

The “Visual” Bypass: If you drive Highway 17, you’ve seen the dirt moving. In 2026, the Hampstead Bypass enters its “visual phase” with noise walls rising and paving beginning on the Northern Section.

Real Estate Impact: Expect a surge in rental demand in Castle Hayne and Rocky Point as the Amazon workforce arrives. For Hampstead, the commercial corridor is already pricing in the future traffic relief.

2. Wilmington's “Experience” Pivot: Mayfaire & Downtown

Retail isn't dead; it’s just changing. In 2026, Wilmington's commercial giants are pivoting from “stuff” to “experiences.”

Mayfaire Town Center: The summer of 2026 will see the grand opening of Dave & Buster’s and the new Element Hotel by Westin. Adding to the mix are premium retailers like J. Crew Factory and Kendra Scott (Spring 2026), cementing Mayfaire as a destination, not just a shopping trip.

Project Grace Delivers: Downtown, the new Cape Fear Museum is targeting a July 2026 opening within the Project Grace complex. Combined with the recently opened library, this anchors the northern end of downtown, pushing commercial interest and renovation projects further down North 3rd Street toward the Soda Pop District.

3. The Leland “Tipping Point”

Leland has officially graduated from “up-and-coming” to “arrived.” The days of crossing the bridge for every errand are ending.

Medical Independence: The Novant Health Ambulatory Surgery Center is slated to open in 2026, a critical stopgap before the full hospital arrives in 2030.

Savannah Branch Town Center: Located at the intersection of US-17 and Lanvale Road, this massive development is set to anchor the southern corridor with a new Publix (targeted late 2026), effectively creating a “second downtown” for residents in Mallory Creek and Brunswick Forest.

4. The “Sleeper” to Watch: Scotts Hill

Don't sleep on the corridor between Wilmington and Hampstead. Summer 2026 marks the opening of the Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center. This 78-bed community hospital is a game-changer for the 28411 zip code.

Strategic Insight: Medical professionals want short commutes. We are already advising sellers in Scotts Hill and Porters Neck to market their homes specifically to the incoming wave of doctors, nurses, and administrators who will staff this facility.

Your Next Step

Commercial development is the leading indicator of residential appreciation. “Follow the jobs” (Amazon) and “Follow the amenities” (Mayfaire/Publix) is a winning strategy.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we don't just sell houses; we analyze the infrastructure that supports them. We are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them—and their commutes. Let’s look at the map and identify which neighborhoods are poised to pop based on these 2026 commercial openings.