Print
Real Estate - Commercial

Developer Of Port City Marina Undergoes Rebranding, Plans Industrial Park

By Cece Nunn, posted Apr 18, 2025
Zephyr Development Co. (formerly USA InvestCo) plans to build an industrial park on Blue Clay Road. (Conceptual rendering courtesy of Zephyr Development Co.)
Port City Marina developer USA InvestCo has rebranded to Zephyr Development Co. with plans to create a new industrial park near Wilmington International Airport.

Founded in 2009 by Chuck Schoninger, USA InvestCo is known for its development of the northern riverfront area of downtown Wilmington, contributing to and serving as a catalyst for the creation of apartments and businesses on a defunct industrial site.

In addition to the marina and marina restaurants, along with a houseboat development, the company also built Port of Wilmington Cold Storage, a more than 100,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse that stores perishable goods, including fruits, vegetables and proteins.

Zephyr Development Co. officials hope to build an industrial park with flex space (potentially 220,000 square feet but that figure could change) on Blue Clay Road property they purchased in February last year.

"Wilmington’s been a little underserved with industrial space, particularly flex and light industrial uses," said Anthony Lucchino, vice president of Zephyr, on Thursday.

According to Zephyr Development Co.'s website, the park would offer "build-to-suit and lease-to-suit options to accommodate a variety of business needs. With yard space available, the park is designed to support logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and distribution operations."

Meanwhile, the rebranding to Zephyr coincides with the company's ongoing commitment to invest within the greater Wilmington area over the long term, according to a news release.

“It’s our belief that Wilmington and the surrounding area is truly a special place to live and work. We value the relationships we’ve built here over the last two decades and we look forward to continuing to create projects that add value to the community ” Schoninger said in the release.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign12

A Partnership for Success

Burrus rob headshot 300x300

Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact on Wilmington's Economy

Robert Burrus - Cameron School of Business - UNC-Wilmington
Untitleddesign13

The Benefits of Choosing Local Partners in Construction

Jim Hundley - Thomas Construction Group

Trending News

Better Business Bureau Recognizes Two Wilmington Companies

Staff Reports - May 13, 2025

Davis Named CFR's Government Affairs Director

Staff Reports - May 13, 2025

Kent Homes Earns Guildmaster Award

Staff Reports - May 13, 2025

Wilmington-based Outdoor And Adventure Education Center Earns Accreditation

Staff Reports - May 13, 2025

Port's Intermodal Rail Yard Project On Track For 2026 Completion

Emma Dill - May 12, 2025

In The Current Issue

CEA Technology Winner: Fintech Firm Illuminates Loan Risks

The company's co-founder and CEO said, “We’re trying to expand the way banks assess credit and do it in a very quick, automated way."...


CEA Nonprofit Winner: Organization Helps Health And Home

The organization formed to provide children as young as 4 and young adults as old as 21 living in the Wilmington area with custom living arr...


CEA Biotech Winner: A Place For Oysters To Flourish

The patent-pending Oyster Catcher is a biodegradable hardscape composed of plant-fiber cloths and a mineral-based hardening agent....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season