These three developments could bring big changes to the east side of Charlotte
The east side of Charlotte has been gaining more attention from developers lately.
That includes big projects that are a few miles from Hampshire Hills, where some residents object to a proposed town home project. For instance, the 80-acre transformation is underway at the old Eastland Mall site.
Another project, closer to Interstate 485, is seeking to bring changes to a roughly 28-acre site for new commercial and residential space.
There also are changes planned closer to Hampshire Hills, including a massive development along Old Concord Road of a 150-acre site.
Here’s a look at development happening around Hampshire Hills.
Transforming the old Eastland Mall site
The long dormant former Eastland Mall site is now a construction site. Work is underway on a $175 million, mixed-use development on the site.
The project will eventually include homes, shops, restaurants, offices and a public park.
East Charlotte residents have seen plans come and go there over the past several years, including failed efforts to bring a movie studio and entertainment district centered on a fake ski slope.
For years, the site had been home to a group of mostly Latino vendors who sold goods at an open air flea market. The city shut down the flea market last year in advance of construction starting. The site also was home to a skate park.
Charlotte bought the vacant property in 2012. Three years ago, City Council unanimously approved a rezoning petition from developer Crosland Southeast to build the mixed-use development.
The project, which broke ground in August 2022, will take five years to finish, the developer has said.
Mixed-use site planned near I-485
Take The Plaza further east and you’ll run into Plaza Road Extension. Heading north is where Charlotte developer MPV Properties has plans for another mixed-use project.
Dubbed Farmington, the community would have office, retail and a hotel, among other uses. The 29-acre site sits just east of Interstate 485 by Rocky River Road.
MPV filed a rezoning petition last year. The application is still listed on the city’s website as pending.
The property could have up to 150,000 square feet of either retail, restaurants and office, according to a site plan filed with the city. Plans also call for a 120-room hotel and 325 residential units.
MPV also proposed a number of transportation improvements in the area.
Subdivision planned on 150-acre site
Closer to Hampshire Hills, one home builder has plans for a big subdivision.
A proposal from Virginia-based Ryan Homes calls for rezoning a 150-acre site. The property is along Old Concord Road, north of The Plaza and nearby the Newell neighborhood.
Ryan Homes is proposing to build up to 319 single family homes on one portion of the site. The other portion would have up to 300 apartments or town homes, or some combination of both.
The subdivision will have a number of amenities, according to the site plan. Those could include a pool, dog park, playground and greenway connectivity.
The petition is listed on the city’s website as pending.
This story was originally published February 17, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
