Mint Museum goers can soon live on top of it

The Story

The Charlotte Observer reports that Childress Klein will build a 392-unit apartment complex on the top of Mint Museum in uptown Charlotte.

The Facts

– The apartment complex will be 42 stories tall (including the height of the current Mint Museum).

– 500 parking spots and a rooftop pool.

– Apartments will be upscale and have features like quartz countertops.

– Construction will being in April and last for 17 months. It’s a fast build because there is no foundation work.

Quotes

“As you add more opportunities for people to live uptown, more people will want to live uptown,” Klein told the Charlotte Observer.

“Bad idea…. You can bet the rent won’t be A-F-F-O-R-D-A-B-L-E. Also I think that Charlotte is being overdeveloped with apartments.” – charlotteobserver.com comment.

“How is this a bad idea? 1) In response to the 2008 Housing Market Collapse/Crisis, the federal government imposed sanctions on banks for predatory lending so now they aren’t lending money like they have been in the past. 2) 90% of the tenants that reside in these apartment complexes are young professionals (34 years of age and below). Most of them, at this point in their lives, with their busy schedules don’t have the time to maintain a traditional home. So apartment living works for them. I’ve been in Charlotte for almost my entire life and I’m glad that there are buildings uptown to look at. I can certainly recall a time when it was not a desirable destination….and it wasn’t that long ago….think about it…. A population of working professionals and business-minded individuals moving to the area increases the likelihood of increased property values…… I’ll take it.” – charlotteobserver.com comment.

C5’s Take

It’s kinda cool to have the “air rights” on certain buildings. Seriously, we love the apartment complexes going into Charlotte. We love the infill. We love the tax base. We love that these unique complexes will bring smart, young people to our city. Let’s grow, smart.

Photo: courtesy of Childress Klein

This story was originally published December 30, 2014 at 12:56 AM with the headline "Mint Museum goers can soon live on top of it."