Charlotte has seen explosive growth since the end of the recession.
Tower cranes have lined the skyline, building new apartments, hotels and office buildings. What is most interesting, though, is that it seems like this great city shows no signs of slowing down.
As we dive into 2018, we will see some major projects wrap up. It is important to note that I will not be including the light rail extension opening here, as I am sticking to more ‘building’ type projects, though that is certainly the most important development happening this year.
Before I dive into my list, I want to call out another “project” that continues to have momentum: The refocus on the pedestrian.
Developers, planners and city leaders are all realizing it is people that live in Charlotte, not cars. Projects like the Bank of America Plaza and 400 S. Tryon garage renovations lead the way in creating a more pedestrian friendly environment for our Uptown.
So let me dive in to the biggest projects wrapping up this year (in no particular order):
Novel Stonewall Station/Whole Foods
I can’t elaborate enough why this project is so important. It adds an anchor tenant in Whole Foods to the burgeoning Stonewall Corridor and it activates the light rail station and adds additional retail that will go to some great tenants.
What to expect:
- 39,000 square foot Whole Foods
- 459 apartment units, including a 230’ tower
- 9,000+ square feet of retail available for lease including, the second floor plaza space attached to the Stonewall Light Rail station
- Gigantic piece of art to cover the parking deck
Estimated completion: Q2, with 2 additional hotels (Home2Suites and EVEN hotel) under construction for 2019 completion
Developer: Crescent Communities
AC Hotel (and Residence Inn)
This finally caps off the completion of the EpiCentre complex with a luxury hotel and rooftop bar to boot.
What to expect:
- 300 rooms total, with 184 in the AC Hotel and 116 at the Residence Inn
- Rooftop bar
Estimated completion: March 2018
Developer: McKibbon Hospitality and Vision Ventures
Tompkins Hall
This is easily the most important early test for the light rail extension. Not only will Duke be anchoring the office component, but it will add an immense amount of restaurant/retail space to create a centerpiece for Optimist Park and a must-visit destination.
What to expect:
- 80,000 square feet of office space for Duke Energy
- 22,250-square-foot food hall
- 33,470 square feet of restaurant and retail space
- Right on the Parkwood Light Rail stop
- Tons of patio and outdoor space
- Historic setting blends old-school character and modern design
Estimated completion: Late 2018
Developer: White Point Partners and Paces Properties
Design District
Design District will make up a ton buildings in the area including the Wedge (where Phat Burrito used to be), 305 W. Tremont and many more.
What to know:
- The first of MANY tenants to come in the Design Center include Superica, a Tex-Mex joint out of Atlanta, set to open Q1 2018, and Barcelona, a swanky wine bar and tapas restaurant, set to open Q1 2018.
- Jamie Scott Fitness is now open at 200 W Tremont.
Developer: Asana Properties
I do want to give a shout out to another major project from White Point.
Their Southern Tier/Victory Brewing project, located by Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and Queen Park Social represents a huge addition to the area and Charlotte’s brewery scene overall.
There you have it: The biggest things opening in 2018. Cheers.
