Plans would transform a defunct mill near uptown into a food hall and creative offices
A defunct mill just north of uptown would become way more interesting if a recently-filed rezoning request is approved.
A couple of real estate firms want to turn it into restaurants, a ‘food hall’ and creative office space, according to a report from Ely Portillo.
This is the kind of development that I want to see more of in Charlotte: One that restores a unique old building in town rather than tearing it down and building something beige and generic.
Some quick facts about the project:
– It involves restoration of the Highland Park mill, at North Brevard and East 16th. (Guess why that’s a good location … Yep, light rail extension adjacent.)
– The mill dates back to 1891, and one developer said the mill “has character” and he wants to bring back “the glory” of it. Additions were made later, but the developers want to “peel back” most of the new stuff added in the ’70s and ’80s, taking it from about 250,000 square feet to 160,000 square feet after the renovation.
– 60,000 square feet would be restaurant and retail space, including a food hall, which is basically a “cross between a series of restaurants and a farmer’s market,” according to one of the developers.
– The other 100,000 square feet would be for office space — loft-style, with open floor plans. If we were playing the “House Hunters” drinking game we’d be taking a big swig right now.
(Something about the photoshopped people in this rendering creeps me out. Is it just me?)
– There would be a large courtyard and plaza facing uptown, and a minimum of 449 parking spaces.
– Other developments are planned in the area: a 351-unit apartment building on Parkwood Ave, 280 apartments at 25th and Brevard and a 50-unit complex at Parkwood and 17th.
– City Council is set to hold a hearing on the plans Feb. 15. The developers plan to finish by the time the light rail opens in 2017.
– Need something to compare it to? Check out Krog Street Market in Atlanta. But it’ll probably be better than that because it’s not in Atlanta.
In other headlines …
– Love craft beer? You’re gonna want to read this. A new FDA regulation going into effect next December will require brewers to provide nutrition information for certain brews. Why’s that a problem? The lab work required costs more than $600 and takes weeks, and doing it in-house means buying $100,000 worth of equipment, according to the op-ed.
– Jennifer Roberts was sworn in as Charlotte’s new mayor last night, which means yesterday was the last day on the job for Dan Clodfelter — aka Mayor Stache — after replacing prison-bound Patrick Cannon 20 months ago. “I did the job I was asked to do,” he said in an interview with the Observer.
– A reporter asked Panthers coach Ron Rivera about Cam Newton’s possible concussion in Sunday’s game. Rivera obviously did not like that question, saying “Don’t question my integrity.” Looks like someone had a case of the Mondays.
– You never know what kind of November weather you’re going to get in Charlotte. This week should be sunny and 60s. Enjoy it.
Renderings: Perkins+Will
This story was originally published December 7, 2015 at 8:00 PM with the headline "Plans would transform a defunct mill near uptown into a food hall and creative offices."