Changes coming to Carolina Beach Boardwalk: New hotel, land purchase and more

Editor's note: This story was originally published by WilmingtonBiz and has been reformatted for visibility and readability.

Several changes are in the works around the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, from a major land purchase to a new hotel and potential changes to local development rules.

As originally reported by WilmingtonBiz, town officials and business owners see opportunities to attract more visitors, support local businesses and create a stronger gathering place for the community.

Here's a closer look at the projects and proposals that could shape the boardwalk area's future.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Carolina Beach is exploring several changes that could make the boardwalk area a more active destination for residents and visitors.
• The details: Plans include a $12 million land purchase, a 140-room SpringHill Suites hotel, a possible social district and proposed zoning changes.
• Why it matters: Local business owners hope the changes will increase foot traffic and attract more visitors throughout the year, including during the slower offseason.
• The more you know: The town plans to seek public input before developing a formal vision for the land it intends to purchase near the boardwalk.

1. A $12 million land purchase could create a new gathering space

Carolina Beach officials plan to purchase nine parcels of land in the boardwalk area for $12 million. The property is currently occupied by seasonal amusement rides.

What to know about the purchase

• The property: Nine parcels in the Carolina Beach Boardwalk area.
• The price: $12 million.
• The approval process: Officials expected to seek financing approval from the N.C. Local Government Commission in September 2026.
• The next step: Once the transaction closes, the town plans to develop a formal plan with input from the public.

What could the property become?

Mayor Lynn Barbee hopes the site will become a community hub with activities such as:

• Outdoor concerts and live entertainment
• Community markets
• Outdoor movie screenings

Jim DeGilio, executive director of the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, also hopes the purchase will help create a true town center that attracts residents and tourists while increasing foot traffic for surrounding businesses.

2. A new 140-room hotel is planned for the boardwalk

A SpringHill Suites Carolina Beach hotel is planned for the northern end of the boardwalk, bringing another major development to the area.

Key details about the hotel

• Hotel: SpringHill Suites Carolina Beach
• Developer: Harmony Hospitality
• Size: 140 rooms
• Location: Northern end of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
• First phase: An oceanfront amenity pavilion
• Construction timeline: The first phase was expected to begin in fall 2026, with the hotel to follow.

According to Carolina Beach Community Development Director Jeremy Hardison, Harmony Hospitality had begun applying for permits as of the original August report.

How could the hotel benefit local businesses?

Business owners and tourism leaders see several potential benefits:

• More visitors: The hotel could attract travelers attending business events, weddings and family reunions.
• More repeat tourism: Visitors introduced to Carolina Beach through events may return for leisure trips.
• More offseason activity: Conferences and other gatherings could help bring customers to businesses during slower months.
• Additional tax revenue: The hotel could create opportunities for more room occupancy tax revenue.

LeeAnn Tluchowski, one of the owners of Malama Cafe, sees the hotel's planned conference space as a positive for nearby businesses.

Roger Monk, one of the owners of The Tropical restaurant, also hopes the hotel will help bring more visitors to the area after the busy summer season.

Monk noted that tourism drops significantly at the end of September, making the offseason particularly challenging for boardwalk businesses.

3. A social district is being discussed

Carolina Beach business owners have also raised the possibility of creating a social district near the boardwalk.

What is a social district?

A social district is a designated area where people can purchase alcoholic beverages from participating establishments and consume them within the district's boundaries.

Where does the proposal stand?

• The idea: Establish a social district in Carolina Beach.
• Who is involved: Roger Monk, one of the owners of The Tropical, has helped lead discussions.
• Previous action: Monk presented the concept to the Carolina Beach Town Council earlier in 2026.
• Current status in the original report: Discussions about the specifics were on hold during the busy summer tourism season.

The proposal remains an idea under discussion in the original reporting, rather than a finalized district.

4. Zoning changes could bring more mixed-use development

Another potential change involves the 200 block of Cape Fear Boulevard, near the boardwalk area.

Town officials are proposing a new commercial transition district that could allow more mixed-use development.

What to know about the zoning proposal

• Location: The 200 block of Cape Fear Boulevard.
• Proposed change: Creation of a commercial transition zoning district.
• Potential impact: More opportunities for mixed-use development.
• Existing planning guidance: The town's 2020 Land Use Plan identifies the block as an area for higher-density, mixed-use development.

What happens next?

The proposal faced questions from the town's planning and zoning commission in July 2026.

At the time of the original reporting, the Carolina Beach Town Council was scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed rezoning in August.

5. The larger goal: A more walkable town center

Although the land purchase, hotel and proposed policy changes are separate developments, town leaders see them as opportunities to strengthen the boardwalk area's appeal.

What officials hope to achieve

• Create a central gathering place for residents and visitors.
• Encourage families to spend more time around the boardwalk.
• Increase foot traffic for restaurants and shops.
• Improve walkability throughout the area.
• Attract visitors beyond the summer tourism season.

Barbee hopes the changes will help restore the boardwalk's role as a place where families can spend several hours dining, shopping and enjoying activities together.

The goal is to make the area feel more like the town's center, with attractions and activities that appeal to both residents and visitors.

What's next for the Carolina Beach Boardwalk?

Several projects and proposals were at different stages when WilmingtonBiz originally reported on them in August 2026.

The major developments to watch include:

• Land purchase: Financing approval and the town's eventual plans for the nine parcels.
• SpringHill Suites: Construction of the oceanfront amenity pavilion, followed by the hotel.
• Social district: Whether discussions resume and a formal proposal moves forward.
• Zoning changes: The outcome of the proposed commercial transition district near Cape Fear Boulevard.

Together, these changes could help shape the future of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk as a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and community gatherings.