Feb. 14, 2002

Big developer wheels into NoDa

DOUG SMITH

One of Charlotte's largest development companies has targeted the North Davidson Arts District for a new retail/residential project.

Crosland's commercial division is teaming with property owner Pat Nevitt to develop a three-story, 14,000-square-foot building at 3205 N. Davidson St.

Shops, galleries and restaurants are planned for the 4,500-square-foot first floor, where space will be leased or sold. The top two floors will accommodate 10 loft condo units.

NoDa, the historic North Charlotte business hub along North Davidson and East 36th streets, has experienced resurgence in residential and commercial revitalization over the past 15 years.

Real estate experts compare the revitalization of NoDa with the emergence over the past decade of South End, another former mill village, as a bustling residential and commercial district.

The entry of one of the city's best-known real estate development and management companies into the trendy NoDa arts district almost certainly will attract interest from other developers.

The new building will displace Pat's Time For One More bar and ground level gallery space on the block, but Crosland's Eric Vargosko said it's possible the bar could be a tenant in the project.

Nevitt, who started the bar in 1979 and bought the building cluster in 1990, has leased out the bar and gallery space since 1997.

"This project seemed like the thing for me to do, the way the whole area is improving and building up with condos and apartments," she said.

Babak Emadi of Urbana, an urban design and architectural firm, put together the venture with Crosland and will take the property through the rezoning process.

He and associate Jonathan Bahr designed the $2.5 million project.

The brick exterior will be reminiscent of the early 1900s buildings that highlight the North Charlotte's mill village roots.

The residential units will have exposed brick walls, exposed beams, hardwood floors, large windows and balconies.

Vargosko will handle sales and leasing of the commercial space. Dana Parker Burleson of Neighborhood Realty is handling sales and marketing for the residential lofts, which range from 850 to 1,000 square feet. Prices start at $150,000.