Council designates Wilmington Iron Works machine shop a local historic landmark

City staff recommended that the former Wilmington Iron Works machine shop building at 2011 South Water Street be designated a local historic landmark. Historic preservation planning manager Ben Wiggle and assistant director Brian Chambers summarized the building’s evolution from a 19th‑century warehouse and naval‑stores use through its 20th‑century adaptation to a machine shop; photos and Sanborn map citations were shown to document the building’s integrity and industrial fabric.

Staff noted the building retains heavy timber framing and iron supports and that parts of the interior machinery remain among the beams. The state historic preservation office provided revision recommendations and requested to be notified of the council’s final decision. City staff said an approved designation would make the property’s owner eligible for a 50% deferral to the city (staff estimated that deferral at about $1,600 annually).

Clayton Hammerki, speaking as the applicant on behalf of owner Justin Lanessa, described the site as a microcosm of Wilmington’s commercial and industrial history and answered questions about integrity and original fabric. Council members asked for basic valuation data to understand revenue impacts; staff provided an approximate annual tax‑deferral figure and said they would provide valuation details before final vote. The council voted unanimously to approve designation on first reading and waived a second reading, advancing the property as a local landmark.