CAPE FEAR CREW ANNOUNCES 2026 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS
Wilmington, NC – March 19, 2026 – Cape Fear CREW is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 8th Annual Awards of Excellence, held today at the Wilmington Convention Center. The awards, which focus on the rapidly growing Cape Fear Region commercial real estate sector, recognize excellence and leadership in commercial real estate. The event was led by Cape Fear CREW President, Heather Evans of Bland Landscaping Company, who said, "Cape Fear CREW congratulates all of our 2026 Cape Fear CREW Award of Excellence winners! We appreciate your contributions and leadership to the Cape Fear Region's built environment."
Influential Woman in Commercial Real Estate Award
Lannin Braddock, Lee & Associates
Lannin Braddock is a dynamic leader whose name is synonymous with excellence, innovation, and integrity in commercial real estate. With nearly two decades of experience in development, leasing, sales, and project management, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the commercial landscape of Southeastern North Carolina. As co-founder of The Braddock Group, Lannin led more than $500 million in development projects. Her commitment to community leadership is reflected by key roles with Cape Fear CREW, Wilmington Downtown, Inc., REALTORS® Commercial Alliance of Southeastern North Carolina, and the Novant Health Foundation. Lannin’s talent for strategic thinking, her deep market knowledge, and visionary approach continue to shape the future of commercial real estate throughout the Cape Fear region and beyond.
Best Design Award
Fort Fisher Visitor Center
The Fort Fisher Visitor Center is an achievement in cultural preservation, reimagining a nationally significant historic site through inclusive storytelling, resilient design, and environmental stewardship. The contemporary structure is oriented to frame historic earthworks and coastal vistas, creating an immersive and intuitive visitor experience that connects architecture, landscape, and narrative. Exhibition spaces expand interpretation beyond the Civil War to encompass 9,000 years of human history, developed in collaboration with African American communities and the Lumbee Tribe. Built to withstand coastal conditions, the project demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship, sustainability, and sensitivity to its fragile ecosystem. Despite an 8½-year journey marked by delays, the collaborative design and construction team delivered a landmark that has increased visitation, strengthened the regional economy, and established a national model for equitable historic interpretation.
Community Enhancement Award (Over $5MM)
City of Wilmington MLK Community Center Expansion and Renovation
The MLK Community Center addition and renovation reimagines a Wilmington landmark as a vibrant, inclusive hub for recreation, learning, and connection. A new 10,122-square-foot gymnasium anchors the project, with a regulation high school court striped for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and wrestling. The new court is complemented by safety padding, motorized goals, dual scoreboards, a divider curtain, storage, restrooms, and support spaces. A fully renovated commercial kitchen, approximately 600 square feet, expands programming and essential food services. Flexible spaces enable intergenerational activities that promote health, wellness, and education while positioning the facility to evolve with community needs. Early impact includes renewed neighborhood engagement, stronger youth development, and expanded outreach capacity.
Community Enhancement Award (Under $5MM)
The New Hanover County Community Justice Center
The Community Justice Center unites law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, and nonprofit partners in a single, trauma-informed setting to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse, and at-risk youth. Opened in 2024 within the Harrelson Center’s adaptive reuse of the former county jail, the 15,000-square-foot space co-locates eight dedicated District Attorney positions, 12 full-time law enforcement officers, and a broad coalition of service providers. In its first year, partners investigated more than 800 cases and now assist about 50 new victims weekly, with a specialized Domestic Violence Court processing 30 to 40 cases weekly. The downtown location, directly across from the courthouse, removes barriers when minutes matter. Flexible, restorative spaces, integrated services, and ongoing professional training deliver faster, coordinated care and safer outcomes.
Project Excellence – Multifamily, Mixed-Use, and Retail Award
Proximity Carolina Beach
Proximity Carolina Beach is a community-driven mixed-use development that reflects extensive resident feedback and a shared vision for preserving the island’s character while meeting modern needs. The project includes residences paired with 35,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. First floor tenants such as K38 Baja Grill, Drift Coffee + Kitchen, Boombalatti's, and Axis Fitness create an active, locally rooted destination that supports year-round engagement. Key design priorities include preservation of mature live oak trees, native landscaping, public green space, and community connection. The result is a highly functional and resilient coastal environment that balances aesthetics and sustainability, with both residential and retail uses, achieving over 97% residential occupancy and retail leasing nearing full capacity within its first lease period.
Project Excellence – Industrial and Office
717mkt Office Collaborative
717 Market Street transformed a long vacant, underutilized historic building in the heart of downtown Wilmington into a vibrant, modern boutique workspace that fuels economic growth and small business success. After sitting vacant for eight years, the project required vision, creativity, and perseverance to overcome historic preservation constraints, zoning challenges, and significant construction hurdles. This significant investment revitalized the structure while preserving its historic character, introducing innovative office amenities including a rooftop terrace, gym, sauna, cold plunge, podcast studio, conference rooms, and collaborative workspaces. By providing flexible, innovative office space for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and growing businesses, 717 Market has reinvigorated the surrounding business district and created a dynamic hub for collaboration, community, and sustainable urban redevelopment.
Beth Quinn Excellence Award
Gale Wallace
Gale Wallace embodies the leadership, integrity, and collaborative spirit celebrated by The Beth Quinn Excellence Award. Through her leadership at Clarendon Properties and her active involvement in Cape Fear CREW, she consistently supports the chapter’s mission and the advancement of women in commercial real estate. Gale is known for her professionalism, her willingness to mentor others, her dedication, and positive influence, all reflecting the values and legacy of Beth Quinn. Gale’s impact extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. She shows up with sincerity and with a genuine desire to uplift those around her. Whether she is mentoring students, supporting fellow CREW members, or quietly stepping in to help where needed most, Gale embodies the heart and spirit of service that strengthens our community.
Impact Award Winner
Wilmington International Airport
Wilmington International Airport has been recognized as this year’s Impact Award Winner due to its positive influence on the region’s business landscape. ILM was ranked #1 in growth nationwide between July 2022 and June 2025 and is the 5th largest airport in North Carolina. According to a recent report from the N.C. Department of Transportation, ILM has a $2.5 billion economic impact on our region, supports 13,550 jobs, and generates $113 million in tax revenue. Led by Airport Director Jeff Bourk, ILM has supported and responded to the growth, attracting more than two dozen non-stop routes with more than 500 destinations via one-stop hubs. By introducing new flight options and making travel easier, ILM has helped attract new business and investors to the region.
In addition to the Cape Fear CREW Awards, the organization was joined by The Realtors Commercial Alliance of Southeastern North Carolina to present the following awards:
RCASENC Commercial Member of the Year: Lynn Harris, Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Carolina Premier Properties
RCASENC Real Estate Rockstar: Robin Hiott Spinks, Greenfield
RCASENC Lifetime Achievement Award: Lela Hill, GMC Real Estate and Appraisal
Cape Fear CREW extends its appreciation to our panel of judges:
Cliff Pyron, Jr., Wilmington Business Development
Kelli Jordan, UNCW, Architectural and Construction Services
Lynn Dunn, HKS Architects, Triangle CREW
J.C. Hearne, J.C. Hearne Law
David Branton, Eastern Carolinas Commercial Real Estate
Thank you to our committed Partners for 2026!
Presenting Partner
Live Oak Bank
**
Platinum Partner
Duncan-Parnell
**
Award Partners
First National Bank
Salt Air Heating, Cooling and Electrical
**
Networking Partner
First Citizens Bank
**
Technology Partner
Old Republic Title
**
Parking Partner
RCASENC
**
Dessert Partner
Highland Roofing
**
Gold Partners
Baker Roofing
Bland Landscaping Company
Cameron Management
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
I Make Your Marketing
Lee & Associates
LS3P
Monteith Construction
SERVPRO
Sun Coast Partners Commercial
Wilmington Business Development
**
Silver Partners
Aloha Wilmington Real Estate
Big Sky Design
BISNOW
Clancy & Theys Construction Company
Clarendon Properties
Cline Donaldson Law Firm
Earney IT
Fidelity National Title
KW Communications LLC
Magnolia Title
Maus Warwick Matthews & Company
Page Productions
Patriot Roofing
Terracon
Trask Land Company
**
About Cape Fear CREW and CREW Network
The Cape Fear chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), with more than 80 members from a wide array of commercial real estate interests, has as its mission to advance the success of women in commercial real estate. CREW Network is the affiliated national association that represents over 15,000 women in commercial real estate in chapters around the world. For more information on the Cape Fear chapter, including membership and partnership information, visit the Cape Fear CREW website at cape-fear.crewnetwork.org and follow us on Facebook @CapeFearCrew.
-###-
IMAGE OF THE 2026 AWARD WINNERS COURTESY CAPE FEAR CREW. PHOTO CREDIT: PAGE PRODUCTIONS
