Terry Espy

Momentum Companies

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momentumprojects.com


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103 South Front Street,
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401 (View Map)

About the Company

Terry Espy’s career in real estate development and brokerage, as well as business brokerage, spans more than thirty years and now involved in some of the most innovative, progressive projects in North Carolina. She coordinated the development of the commercial component of South Front District in Downtown Wilmington, NC in the revitalization of that area. As part of the effort, she secured famed eastern North Carolina chef, Vivian Howard, as a restaurant tenant in South Front. Having brokered over 50 restaurants in the Wilmington area over the last 5 years, she has made her mark regarding her efforts to help Wilmington become a “food destination”. During the COVID restrictions in 2020 she spearheaded the “Downtown Alive” initiative which enabled 32 Downtown restaurants to expand outdoors through the sidewalk, into the parking spaces, allowing pedestrians to ability walk along the closed streets safely. Throughout Downtown Wilmington, 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.

Broker Biography

Introduction

Community Involvement:
• Wilmington Downtown Business Alliance – President 7 years
• Thalian Hall Center for the Preforming Arts – President
• Cape Fear Museum – Executive Board
• Historic Wilmington Foundation – Executive Board
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Executive Board
• Appointed to City of Wilmington:
Vision 2020 Committee
DPAC-Downtown Parking Advisory Committee
MSD Advisory Board
• Service on multiple boards and committees, including Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County, Women’s Presidents Organization, Commercial Real Estate Women, National Association of Women Business Owners, Coastal Carolina Tomorrow.

Awards, Honors & More:
CREW 2025 Award of Excellence - Most Influential Woman in Commercial Real Estate Award
Star News 2025 - Wilmington's Most Influential Person
The Women’s Business Award from Triangle Business Journal.
The Pinnacle Award from Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
Interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, Money magazine, The New York Times, Entrepreneur, News and Observer, Star News, Wilmington Business Journal and Business NC magazine.

Services Provided

A fully integrated real estate brokerage and business brokerage, MoMentum Companies is known for its community-centric strategies and results. Areas of expertise include commercial sales, leasing and development, and business brokerage. MoMentum Companies has developed and brokered projects in the medical, multi-family, retail, hospitality, restaurant, office, and mixed-use sectors. Recent successes include the sale of The George Restaurant and real estate in Downtown Wilmington, NC, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s new lease at River Place. Owner Terry Espy’s sons Kennan and Drew, brokers at the firm, share her passion for building a thriving Downtown Wilmington, as does her sister Donna Wallin, who manages the MoMentum Companies event space, Station No. 2., and several downtown luxury short term rentals..
Recognized for its boutique approach to brokerage, the team at MoMentum focuses on both the client’s and the community's best interests while conquering complex issues, creating successful outcomes, and enhancing the quality of life in the region. MoMentum is a fan of the substantial investment made in Downtown Wilmington by private entities and the City itself. Visit momentumprojects.com to learn more.

Areas Served

  • Ashe County, NC
  • Brunswick County, NC
  • New Hanover County, NC
  • Wake County, NC
  • Horry County, SC
  • Professional Affiliations

    Graduate of University of South Carolina
    North Carolina Real Estate Brokers License.

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