Impeccable Development, a Florida-based commercial real estate firm, is hoping to transform Hampstead’s retail landscape. Shoppers are excited about the potential of finally bringing a Target department store to the Hampstead area.
According to the site plans released by Impeccable Development, the largest structure in the 42-acre project on Highway 17 is labeled as a Target department store. Although Target’s official website does not yet list a future location in Hampstead, the design and scale of the building align with Target’s typical store layout – coming in at over 147,000 square feet.
Among the company’s leadership team is Carlos Boozer, a name that resonates with sports enthusiasts. Following a 2001 National Championship at Duke University, Boozer had a remarkable career in the NBA and added two Olympic medals playing basketball for Team USA.
The company is led by a team of real estate enthusiasts, who are committed to forging investment-driven relationships with some of the nation’s largest retailers. The team is composed of four entrepreneurs: Rob Tanner, Director of Real Estate and Co-Founder; Amit Seghal, Director of Operations and Co-Founder; Dr. Jeffrey Postal, Co-Founder and Investor; and Carlos Boozer, Co-Founder and Investor. Dan Hernandez serves as the VP of Real Estate, and Troy Postal, In-House Counsel, completes the team.
Former Spot Festival Location Site
For long-time Hampstead residents, the location of this new development will be well-known. Slated to be built where the annual Spot Festival traditionally takes place, the new retail complex spans a 1,100-foot stretch along Highway 17, between the ABC Liquor Store and The Beacon – a professional office building serving as home to over half a dozen health and financial service businesses.
Other Notable Retail & Restaurant Brands
While the addition of a local Target department store may steal plenty of attention, there are some other prominent retail brands identified in the site plans.
These include:
- TJ Maxx
- Ross
- Burlington
- Burke’s
- Michael’s
- Five Below
- Ulta
- Walgreens
- Taco Bell
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
- Popeyes
Despite many new storage businesses entering the area in recent years, the site plans also show a placeholder for a two-story, 40,000 sq. ft. self-storage facility. Another building covering 10,500 sq. ft. is labeled in the plans as “Stores,” suggesting that local entrepreneurs may also have a presence in the retail center.
Impact on Highway 17 & Wilmington Commuters
The arrival of a new shopping complex promises more than just retail opportunities. The project entails modifications to Highway 17 that go beyond the existing Hampstead Bypass Project, which is likely to affect the local commute to and from Wilmington, NC. This change raises concerns for residents about increased traffic and potential disruption. In response to such concerns, the plans do call for a new traffic signal in front of the 1,100 feet of frontage on Highway 17 – which is believed to help manage the anticipated traffic increase.
Early Response from Residents
News of the development has been met with a mix of excitement and trepidation within the community. For many, the arrival of brands like Target, TJ Maxx, and Burlington signals a step up in local shopping options. However, others express reservations, mourning the loss of yet another natural space being used for ongoing commercial development in the area.