Leasing Thrives at Proximity Carolina Beach
Cape Fear Commercial
September 1, 2025
Wilmington, NC — [September 1, 2025] — Cape Fear Commercial is pleased to announce major leasing progress at Proximity Carolina Beach, a landmark development designed to enhance the area’s growth and lifestyle offerings. By pairing upscale residential living with a thoughtfully curated mix of restaurants, retail, and wellness-driven amenities, Proximity is creating a vibrant gathering place where residents, locals, and visitors come together.
Residential Leasing Success
Proximity Carolina Beach has filled a long-standing need for high-quality living options in Carolina Beach. Leasing momentum has been exceptionally strong, with over 93% of the luxury residences leased as of September 2025, reflecting the community’s appeal and the growing demand for upscale, coastal living paired with walkable retail and lifestyle amenities.
Retail Leasing Success
Proximity Carolina Beach has seen tremendous retail success, with nearly all commercial spaces leased and only one restaurant space remaining. The strong tenant lineup — featuring beloved local brands like Drift Coffee & Kitchen and Boombalatti’s Ice Cream, alongside diverse offerings in dining, fitness, wellness, and boutique retail — has accomplished the project’s goal of delivering a curated, community-focused tenant mix.
Now Open
- K38 Baja Grill — Regional Mexican-inspired restaurant bringing an established island favorite to Proximity.
- Boombalatti’s Ice Cream — Locally owned, offering creative flavors made with NC grass-fed dairy. This marks their fourth location and their first in Carolina Beach.
- Drift Coffee & Kitchen — Specialty coffee and café concept from local founders, designed to be a community hub.
- Axis Fitness — Locally owned, state-of-the-art fitness facility with personal training and premium amenities.
Opening Soon
- Noe Nail & Hair Salon — Modern, upscale salon experience.
- Riko’s Pizza — Thin-crust pizza and baked wings concept from Connecticut, featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and sports bar vibe.
Coming in 2025 & Beyond
- Nest Realty — Boutique real estate brokerage specializing in residential, waterfront, and luxury properties.
- Embody Pilates — Wellness-focused Pilates and training studio.
- Surf N Sandwich — West Coast–inspired sandwich shop blending beach vibes with bold flavors. (Lease in progress)
- Reflect Boutique — Upscale coastal women’s clothing store.
“Proximity Carolina Beach has always been about creating a connected community that blends residential living with thoughtfully curated retail.” said Brian Eckel, Partner at Cape Fear Commercial. “Seeing the project embraced by residents and local businesses, from Drift Coffee & Kitchen to Boombalatti’s Ice Cream, has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re just getting started.”
The residential side of Proximity Carolina Beach has also seen strong leasing success, being over 93% leased as of September, reaffirming Carolina Beach’s demand for a community that fills a long-standing gap in upscale living paired with lifestyle-driven retail.
For additional information about available commercial opportunities at Proximity Carolina Beach, contact Patrick Riley or Julia Eckel.