Development

Charlotte’s urban evolution: Six projects to watch

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories shows how major projects drive urban change and shape Charlotte's community and economy.

The River District project received a sustainability recognition, emphasizing development with an environmental focus in west Charlotte. The Brooklyn Village redevelopment faces another delay after asbestos was discovered in a county-owned building.

Novi Lofts added over 300 apartments to downtown Concord, supporting population growth and new businesses. The Park Church seeks to bring over 300 affordable homes to north Charlotte through a new rezoning petition. Ballantyne continues to expand with restaurant openings and new housing options, sustaining its transformation from a former hunting tract.

Read the stories below.

This architectural rendering shows part of the planned Terrell Town Center project in Terrell NC.

NO. 1: CHARLOTTE’S EPICENTRE DEVELOPER TO BUILD RETAIL CENTER IN BOOMING AREA OF LAKE NORMAN

The former Terrell Country Store was a North Carolina tourist attraction that was razed five years ago for future development. | Published January 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

The view of downtown from the rooftop during ribbon cutting for Novi Lofts in Concord, N.C., on Thursday, February 20, 2025. By KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH

NO. 2: COMPLETION OF A $100M MIXED-USE PROJECT IS LATEST EVOLUTION OF DOWNTOWN CONCORD GROWTH

Concord leaders celebrated the opening of Novi Lofts, the last of three new mid-rise developments. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Desiree Mathurin

Workers finish a sidewalk next to one of four model single family homes at The River District. With about 2,000 single family homes and another 2,000 multi-family dwellings the River District development has been designated as a One Planet Living Leader, the third in the country and the first awarded to a southern state. The designation highlights the 1,400 acre development’s energy efficiency, that includes approximately 500 acres of preserved green space. The Observer was given on a tour of the development on Thursday, April 17, 2025. By John D. Simmons

NO. 3: ON EARTH DAY, A $6B WEST CHARLOTTE PROJECT RECEIVES UNUSUAL APPRECIATION

Crescent Communities said its project showcases its focus on people and the environment. | Published April 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Desiree Mathurin

A rendering of the affordable housing project within Brooklyn Village.

NO. 4: DEVELOPERS OF $700M BROOKLYN VILLAGE PROJECT SEEK ANOTHER DELAY. HERE’S WHY

Mecklenburg commissioners need to decide next steps now. | Published June 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Desiree Mathurin

Yolanda Valentin reflects on her garden and home development since moving into her home at the Forest Park Mobile Homes in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, June 13, 2025. All additions to the mobile home site are added by the tenants. By Lila Turner

NO. 5: AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT RISK AS DEVELOPER EYES CHARLOTTE MOBILE HOME PARK FOR APARTMENTS

Residents of a northeast Charlotte mobile park community worry a rezoning petition could displace their entire community. | Published June 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Briah Lumpkins

The Park Church in Charlotte, NC, Monday June 23, 2025. By Lila Turner

NO. 6: IN NORTH CHARLOTTE, THE PARK CHURCH EXPANDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS AGAIN

A number of faith-based organizations around the city have been turning some of their property into income-based housing. | Published June 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Desiree Mathurin

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.