A proposal to build two skyscrapers in downtown Wilmington has sparked a countywide debate.

The buildings are slated to be built on Battleship Road, on the west bank of the Cape Fear River, directly across the water from historic downtown Wilmington. By building on the riverbank, the developers are exempt from the 40-foot height limit placed on buildings in New Hanover County. Both towers would be nearly 200 feet tall.

The buildings would serve primarily as high-end condominiums. The current plan calls for tower one to be 20 stories high with approximately 168 condominiums, six levels of parking, and some retail stores. Tower two is slightly shorter, measuring 19 stories with 207 condominiums and 596 parking spots.

George Edwards, the executive director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation, expressed his concern about the project. Edwards said that if the skyscrapers are allowed to be built, it could set the tone for future development. He also said the exterior of the buildings is also crucial and must be aesthetically pleasing. He suggested using terraces, varying building heights and drafting shorter designs.

“We would not mind if there were more buildings and less height, say buildings in the 8-to-12 story range,” he said.

The senior planner for the New Hanover County Planning Department Steve Candler, said the project has not yet been approved or denied by the county. The project has been delayed until a later time, giving the developers and their opposition time to revise the plans.

The developers are taking measures to accommodate the setting of the buildings as well. They have offered to pay for the extension of water and sewer lines across the river. They have also proposed various plans, including a boardwalk, much like the current riverwalk, a water taxi service across the river and leaving 12 acres of empty space around their buildings. Most importantly, they would have to improve and expand flood-plagued Battleship Road, where the buildings would be erected.

Edwards pointed out that in 1990 there was an initiative to make the land where the towers would stand a natural area and bird sanctuary. This sentiment, though it failed at the time, is still expressed by many members of the community.

“You can see this is a complicated situation, and perhaps far from done,” Edwards said.