Gemini Giant, Launching Pad Fail to Sell at Auction

Tina and Joel Brownlee of Wilmington were the high bidders for the historic Route 66 icon Gemini Giant and Launching Pad restaurant Friday, but walked away without the prize.
The 2,600 square foot former Launching Pad restaurant at 810 E. Baltimore Street in Wilmington drew a $177,500 bid—but that amount failed to match the owner’s reserve.
Auctioneer Jim Bednar said he will negotiate with the Brownlees and the owner over the next couple of days to see if they can come together on price.
The auction drew a mixed crowd of about 40 locals, neighbors, bidders, and watchers.  
After the auction, Brownlee said she grew up in Wilmington “and enjoyed the Launching Pad.” Her family would like to see the restaurant “come back to life.”

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