New townhouses will be just a short walk from restaurants, shopping
DOUG SMITH
Typically developers seek out large tracts where they can combine
shops, restaurants and housing in so-called mixed-use communities.
Now companies that specialize in developing small residential parcels
in established neighborhoods are borrowing that strategy to create
projects that are more pedestrian friendly.
Gateway Homes' new townhome development at Woodlawn and Scaleybark
roads, for example, is about a quarter mile from Park Road Shopping Center
and ParkTowne Village at Park and Woodlawn roads in south Charlotte.
Residents of 25-unit Preston Townhomes will be able to walk to the nearby
shops, restaurants and movie theater.
"That's where it's at for smaller, independent companies like
ours," said Gateway partner Doug Levin. "Anytime you get
shopping and entertainment within walking distance or a quick drive,
people will respond."
Buyers have put seven units under contract since a sign went up at the
site about two weeks ago, he said.
At mixed-use projects such as Phillips Place in south Charlotte and
Birkdale Village in Huntersville, housing and commercial dovetail on much
larger sites.
But in established neighborhoods where generally only small parcels are
available it's more of a challenge to link the various uses.
Levin said Gateway saw the potential immediately of the two-acre
Woodlawn Road parcel, which was occupied by a single-family house but
zoned for multifamily development.
"Boutique builders and smaller companies like ours have the time
and patience for that type of site," he said. "Larger builders
wouldn't be interested. They're looking to do 200 or 300 units."
Levin said Gateway has demolished the old house and started preparing
the site for three-story townhomes with brick exteriors.
The three-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath units start at 1,550 square feet and sell
from $147,500 to $172,500.
Gateway expects to complete the project, valued at about $5 million,
within 12 months.
"We will build it all right away," Levin said, rather than
adhere to the standard development practice of selling up to half the
units before starting.
Gateway is the builder as well as the developer.
Preston Townhomes will have landscaped grounds, covered entrances,
sidewalks in front of each unit, one-car garages and a large driveway with
one extra parking space for owners, Levin said.
Features include ceramic tile splashes with master tubs, 42-inch high
mirrors in baths, pull-down disappearing attic stairs, forced-air gas
heating, double stainless steel kitchen sinks, dishwashers and ranges.
