By the mid-1980s, Wilmington was seeing a surge in retail growth. Shopping centers such as Independence Mall and Hanover Center were reaping the benefits.
To capitalize off the success, a group was in its final stages of building Wilmington Marketplace, an outlet mall on College Road with several national chains.
In the June 2, 1985, Wilmington StarNews, construction and merchandise snags were causing a delay in opening the complex. According to the article, it was planning to open on July 4.
It was set to feature stores specializing in men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, housewares, linens, bathing suits and gifts.
Now known more as Marketplace Mall, it’s recognized in recent years for bowling center Ten Pin Alley, which replaced rock venue The Mad Monk, and the New Hanover County Government Center, which moved there after renovations in 2002.
The county has since opened a new government center across from it in 2023 and torn down the old facility. The new Board of Elections building will be completed later this summer and is expected to be ready to serve as a one-stop voting location for the upcoming election, according to Alex Riley, a spokesperson for the county.