Four of seven residential high-rises announced
over the past 16 months are under way uptown, and two are almost
ready to start taking contracts.
To satisfy demand for homes closer to the
center city, apartment complexes -- and possibly even a hotel -- are
going condo.
A 30-acre entertainment village is under way
in the northwest corner of Fourth Ward.
And the uptown development surge north of The
Square is finally spreading -- to South Tryon Street, West Trade
Street and Second Ward.
Outside the core, development booms in
southwest Mecklenburg as rim counties experience a surge in
commercial and residential activity.
Those are some of the trends spotlighted in
The Next Big Thing column, which debuted Feb. 16.
The idea was to look beyond the breaking news
of the day and provide context for readers to understand a real
estate trend and its potential implications.
In the early weeks, we wondered whether the
Charlotte region was large enough to have a Next Big Thing every
week. Boy, are we convinced now.
We've traveled from Mooresville to Lancaster
County, from Matthews to Belmont talking with developers, planners,
analysts and residents.
As we research the issues through the end of
the year, check our list of the top trends from the first six months
of The Next Big Thing.
The High-Rise Buzz
One of the biggest surprises in urban
development is the dramatic shift toward high-rise living.
Seven residential towers have been announced
uptown. Construction is under way on four -- 17-story Courtside,
28-story TradeMark, 13-story 230 South Tryon and 36-story Avenue.
Developer Pete Verna said he expects to start
work this month on The Park, 21 stories.
The Vue Charlotte, a 50-story tower, is
opening its sales center Monday at 101 N. Tryon St. in One
Independence Center.
And Avenue plans to open its sales office
Saturday at 500 W. Fifth St., Suite 120.
The developer of EpiCentre's proposed 53-story
residential tower hasn't disclosed details.
The center city appeals to empty-nesters and
young professionals attracted by cultural amenities, entertainment
and restaurants.
Many people also are striving to live closer
to their jobs in the center city -- a trend that could become more
popular in the wake of the gasoline crunch.
How intense is interest?
Churchill Development Group LLC, developer of
The Vue Charlotte, said more than 3,000 people have requested
information about that project's 403 units by phone and e-mail. And
400 have made appointments to talk with a sales agent about
purchasing. The Vue Fifth & Poplar RiverGate 230 South Tryon
