Terry Espy
Biographical Info
Terry Espy's career in commercial real estate brokerage & development and business brokerage, spans more than thirty years. She is currently involved in some of the most innovative, progressive projects in the Carolinas.
She felt honored being asked to assist in the development of the commercial component of South Front District by Tribute Properties. As part of the effort, she secured famed eastern North Carolina chef, Vivian Howard famed eastern North Carolina chef, Vivian Howard and husband, Ben, as the first restaurant tenant in South Front.
Espy has extensive experience in luring unique restaurants to Wilmington that sets the market apart. The effort has paid off resulting the Wilmington being designated as one of the "Top Ten Small City Foodie Destinations"! She spearheaded the Downtown Alive program during the Pandemic which closed several downtown streets Thursday through Sunday enabling restaurant owners the ability to sit along the sidewalks and into parking spaces, allowing the guests the ability to stroll down the closed streets and enjoy a great meal Downtown. The result was 32 Downtown restaurants not only survived, but experienced their best revenues to date. The financial success during the Downtown Alive program gave many of the restaurants the confidence to sell their businesses on a high.
Along the Castle Street District, her boutique style of development is showcased by bringing back to life the historic Firehouse located at 5th and Castle, which is now a very popular event venue and short-term rental that aII can enjoy. Throughout the region she has coordinated the sale and/or lease of numerous historic properties for upper-level tech and business service companies, strengthening the zoning mix to support retail and restaurants.
Terry held the position of President of the Downtown Business Alliance for 7 years and is currently President of the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. She has served on the boards of Historic Wilmington Foundation, JDRF, Cape Fear Museum and Genesis Block. She has received numerous business honors including "Triangle Business Journal's "Women in Business Award" and Raleigh Chamber of Commerce's "Pinnacle Award" and the Star New "Most Influential Person in Wilmington". In her spare time, you will find Terry rockin' out in a band called THE HOT FLASHES featuring 8 women "of a certain age" who were recently featured on the cover of AARP Magazine!!