Business Buzz: McKinley’s Year-End Recap 2025

The Sounder — Renovation & Upfit of a Wilmington Landmark

A familiar Wilmington building is getting a new life. Earlier this year, McKinley began renovations on the former Hops Supply Co. location on Oleander Drive, a single-story restaurant space many in the community remember fondly. With the upfit nearing completion, Flying Machine Brewing Company has officially announced the next chapter for the building: The Sounder, a coastal-inspired restaurant centered around fresh, local seafood and the coastal lifestyle.

Our scope includes major system upgrades, a refreshed kitchen layout, new coastal-inspired finishes, outdoor patio improvements, and an updated event space. We’re proud to support the transformation of this landmark into a vibrant new gathering place for the community.
Read more via Wilmington Business Journal.

Wilmington Trade Center — Building 4 Under Construction

Construction is officially underway on WTC Building 4, a 155,000 SF Class A industrial facility that will bring the park to 571,000 SF under roof. Completion is slated for April 2026, marking another step forward in Wilmington’s industrial growth.

Investing in the Next Generation — ECU Career Fair & Internship Program

In September, our team connected with students at East Carolina University’s Science, Engineering & Technology Career Fair, introducing McKinley’s Summer 2026 Internship Program. The 12-week program will offer real-world experience in project management, field supervision, and construction operations. We’re excited to help shape the next generation of builders.

Interested applicants can learn more HERE.

Burns Family Dentistry — Expansion Project Begins

What began as a patient relationship has grown into a trusted partnership. Our team is honored to walk alongside Burns Family Dentistry as they expand their practice to support their growing patient base. From early financial modeling to long-term planning, we helped identify the best path forward and construction is now underway. We look forward to sharing progress as the project unfolds.

Celebrating a McKinley Legacy — Dennis Woodard’s Retirement

After nearly 25 years with McKinley Building Corporation, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Dennis Woodard. His dedication, mentorship, and craftsmanship have shaped countless projects and relationships. Dennis will always be part of the McKinley family.

Midtown Flats — Foundation Complete

The first concrete pour is complete at Midtown Flats, a new three-story, 34-unit apartment community in Wilmington. This milestone marks major progress as vertical construction gets underway.

WilmingtonBiz 100 Recognition — Chad Hodges

Congratulations to Chad Hodges on being recognized once again as an Influencer in the 2025 WilmingtonBiz 100. His leadership and commitment to clients and community continue to make an impact across the region.

Blue Clay Business Park — New Industrial Facility Opens

Sister companies Risley Padula Construction Inc. and Coastal Millwork Supply Co. have officially moved into their new 68,000 SF facility, the first completed development in New Hanover County’s new Blue Clay Business Park. With a $10M+ investment and nearly 100 local employees, this project highlights the region’s strong industrial momentum. McKinley is proud to support high-quality industrial growth across Southeastern North Carolina.
Read more on our LinkedIn.

Coastal Horizons — Groundbreaking Ceremony

We were honored to celebrate the groundbreaking of Coastal Horizons’ new administration building, a project that demonstrates the power of early design-build collaboration. From day one, our team partnered with Coastal Horizons leadership and LS3P to align scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring a smooth path into construction and a facility that will support their mission for decades to come.