Neighbors react as fire damages historic Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Fire crews battled flames at the historic Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington’s historic district, leaving residents emotional as they watched the iconic building burn.

Many downtown residents gathered across the street from the Graystone Inn to watch as crews battled the flames. Several people became emotional as they watched the scene unfold.

The Graystone Inn served as a venue for celebrations, hosting dinners and wedding receptions. People who used to work at the building or knew employees were among those who came to see the fire.

“My wife used to work here as the front desk person for almost two years, about three years ago, before the last remodelling,” one neighbor said. “So I would visit a lot, and it was a beautiful, beautiful place, and we’re very sad to see it go.”

Lydia Huggins, a lifelong resident of downtown Wilmington, says that seeing any building damaged in the area leaves her heartbroken.

“I mean, each building down here is like a piece of home for me, so it’ll definitely be different and hard to get used to not having it around,” said Huggins.

Fire crews confirmed that the fire is under control. Many residents had hoped the building would reopen after an accidental fire in 2023 shut its doors.

Residents said downtown Wilmington will never be the same after another devastating fire at the Graystone Inn.