McGill Celebrates 40 Years of Service with a Special Event in Shallotte

In a celebration marking four decades of shaping communities, McGill hosted a 40th Anniversary Client Appreciation Event at Ocean Isle Beach Town Center Park. This milestone event was more than a festivity — it was a tribute to McGill’s unwavering commitment to fostering partnerships and building resilient communities along the North Carolina coast.

A Landmark Celebration at Ocean Isle Beach Town Center Park

The anniversary event took place at Ocean Isle Beach Town Center Park, a signature project that embodies McGill’s vision of enhancing community spaces through innovative design and sustainable planning. Completed in 2020, the 1.7-acre park stands as a testament to McGill’s dedication to listening to community needs and turning them into reality. The park features a concert stage for live events, an interactive fountain that delights visitors of all ages, shaded seating areas, a playground, and eco-conscious features such as electric vehicle charging stations.

McGill’s involvement in the park was comprehensive. The team led the design and engineering work, helped secure crucial funding—a $500,000 PARTF (North Carolina Park and Recreation Trust Fund) matching grant — and navigated the project through complex permitting processes, including coastal stormwater management and NCDOT approvals. This park is not just a recreational space; it’s a cornerstone of the community that supports events, gatherings, and the well-being of residents and visitors alike.

An Event to Celebrate Partnerships and Community

The event welcomed around 150 attendees, including clients, community members, and team members from the Shallotte office. With mouth-watering BBQ and fun activities like cornhole, the day was a blend of celebration and appreciation. McGill’s Shallotte office manager Michael Norton took the stage to express gratitude to the attendees, emphasizing the trust and collaboration that have defined McGill’s relationships over the years.

“Thank you for being here and for partnering with us to shape your communities,” Michael Norton said. His words resonated with the crowd, reinforcing the idea that McGill’s 40-year journey has been made possible by these vital connections. Norton, who has been a guiding force in numerous projects and has a wealth of experience in engineering and community-focused project leadership, highlighted how these partnerships have allowed McGill to contribute meaningfully to the region’s development.

A Commitment to Coastal North Carolina

McGill’s dedication to coastal North Carolina is rooted in its belief that well-designed spaces can elevate community life. The firm has long understood that coastal areas face unique challenges—ranging from environmental regulations to the impacts of climate change—and has tailored its approach to meet these needs with innovative, sustainable solutions. This commitment goes beyond physical structures to include strategic planning, funding support, and resilience initiatives aimed at safeguarding these communities for future generations.

McGill President Andy Lovingood built on Norton’s remarks by underscoring McGill’s deep-rooted connection to coastal regions. “Our commitment to coastal North Carolina isn’t just professional; it’s personal. We are part of these communities, and we care deeply about their future,” Andy stated.

Looking Ahead

As McGill looks toward to the future, we remain committed to upholding the principles that have defined our first 40 years: collaboration, community-centered design, and sustainable solutions. With a proven record of excellence in projects like the Ocean Isle Beach Town Center Park, McGill continues to set the standard for engineering and design that prioritizes people and places.

The event was a reminder that McGill is not just in the business of engineering and design — we are also in the business of building relationships and creating enduring community assets. Whether through a park that becomes the heart of a town or through proactive resilience planning, McGill’s dedication ensures that North Carolina’s coastal communities are equipped to thrive for generations to come.