CLT seeks developers for its new ‘Destination District’ of hotels, restaurants, retail
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is requesting proposals from developers to build hotels, restaurants, a gas station and more on 90 acres of land along Wilkinson Boulevard, officials announced Tuesday afternoon.
The Destination District will consist of 39 acres zoned for a regional activity center at the intersection of North Josh Birmingham Parkway and Wilkinson Boulevard. The second portion of 51 acres zoned for manufacturing and logistics is at the intersection of Stafford Drive and Wilkinson Boulevard.
Stuart Hair, CLT director of commercial and community engagement, said the Destination District on airport-owned land is forming a link between Interstate 85 to the north and the airport to the south. He said it’s a project 10 years in the making.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a development team to define the front door of the world’s seventh busiest airport with a combination of mixed-use and industrial assets,” Hair said.
Cushman & Wakefield, a commercial real estate company, worked with the airport to find gaps in the market, analyze land holdings, and comply with environmental rules.
What will be in the Destination District?
A conceptual site plan was presented with 500,000 square feet of light industrial and logistic buildings; two hotels; nine food and beverage options with a brewery; convenience service retail; gas station; medical office; pharmacy; and preservation of the Charlotte Area Transit System’s proposed LYNX Silver Line towards the airport.
Destination District’s central portion at North Josh Birmingham Parkway and Wilkinson Boulevard will have access and exposure to more than 200,000 vehicles per day coming from the I-85 and roads, Hair said. He said the project will fill a void in the area. The process of acquiring the land was completed in 2019.
The eastern portion at Stafford Drive and Wilkinson Boulevard by the I-85/485 interchange is best for logistics, advanced manufacturing, distribution, and light industrial development, Hair said. CLT acquired the 51 acres in 2022.
CLT is working to acquire more property facing Wilkinson Boulevard, Hair said.
What Charlotte Douglas Airport wants
The Request for Proposal process will start Thursday, with a deadline of Feb. 22 for developers to respond. Airport officials will make an announcement of their selection in early April. It will be sent to the Charlotte City Council in the fall.
“We think that timeliness is vital on this and that we could see dirt turning on this soon after that council approval,” Hair said.
Charlotte Douglas is looking for a proposal that will generate revenue, land activation and airport compatibility. The fourth goal was “placemaking” to help define the airport experience for local passengers.
“This is an exciting time for the airport and we’re excited to launch this project after nearly a decade of planning,” Hair said.
