We are trying something new right now, and you’re invited: An online discussion and Q&A on development in South End and Uptown with Clayton Sealey of CLT-Development. Come check it out, discuss, lurk and learn. Should be fun
We are 45 minutes in, and we said this would go 30-45 minutes. I'd like to be respectful of everybody's time, as it is (ostensibly) a work day. I'm sure Clayton could do this all afternoon long and would prefer to, but I want to recognize that people might have other obligations. That said, I have no ability to shut down comments and wouldn't want to, if people want to keep discussing.
While Southend and the Stonewall corridor are both booming, Charlotte still lacks an "urban stroll" district. Camden feels close, but it is still mostly restaurants and national/regional chains. Do you feel like Southend or Uptown can ever become an area where you can spend a day walking and shopping, or do you think that type of development is going to happen elsewhere, or maybe not at all?
What should we do about Interstate 277? Terrible, dangerous road, and it creates a dead zone that makes it tough to connect uptown to close-in neighborhoods.
What of the idea of turning entire, existing streets into dedicated mass transit corridors with perhaps shared autonomous vehicles. Again, going beyond just dedicated lanes. Align adjacent land uses to TOD, use crossing gates for intersections similar to what’s done for light rail, and don’t you end up with a somewhat cheaper option for reliable mass transit corridors versus going out and buying land to lay track lines from scratch?
What are some of the currently unrepresented hotel flags you see coming to downtown/SE soon, aside from the ones already under construction? A Four Seasons? Grand Hyatt? There are a handful of brands curiously absent here.
Is development in Uptown going to slow down due to SouthEnd’s resurgence? While Uptown Charlotte is very lively during the day and lunch hour, it’s still relatively quite after 8 PM.
The South End Vision Plan (2017) recommended as strategic/shared parking approach too avoid each development building its own decks. I vaguely hear some kind of study is in the works, but this is URGENT.
Clayton, any idea if the Even Hotel at Stonewall Station is still underway? It seemed that work was paused for a while, and I haven't seen an article on it in a long time.
What is the current status of the Strawn Site project on the East side of South Blvd, and could that serve as an impetus to activate some of the "sleepier" parts of South Blvd on that side of the street, ex: 1400-1500 block?
Is the Queens Park concept, i.e. the Central Park of Charlotte on re-purposed track land north of Uptown, still progressing...still viable? Funded by developer rights adjacent to the space?
Back in 2014-15, I was a big proponent of renovating Memorial Stadium for minor league soccer (Independence) and trying to use that to lever up to an MLS franchise. Obviously, Tepper changed that whole calculation, but the county is still going ahead with the stadium overhaul anyway. What role do planners see for the renovated stadium playing beyond as a host for a minor league soccer team that people may or may not care about once MLS arrives?
Apologies if you're busy crafting a reply to this question, but I didn't want to be left out: How do you see some of the currently more nebulous projects, like the Transit Center redevelopment and 7th/Tryon taking shape?
As an Elizabeth resident who lives just across the tracks from Chantilly, I'm curious what you're hearing about plans/ideas for the big Pecan/Central parcel.
What type of retailers are actually building new stores these days? Everyone seems to want "retail", but outside of the new South End retailers, I don't know what would fill in those spaces.
We are 45 minutes in, and we said this would go 30-45 minutes. I'd like to be respectful of everybody's time, as it is (ostensibly) a work day. I'm sure Clayton could do this all afternoon long and would prefer to, but I want to recognize that people might have other obligations. That said, I have no ability to shut down comments and wouldn't want to, if people want to keep discussing.
Some good questions already. I'd say if anybody has opinions on these, feel free to jump right in.
Clayton, why don't you introduce yourself, say who you are and how people can connect with you?
While we're waiting, what kind of questions do people have?
OK, we are a go. Clayton, you there?
While Southend and the Stonewall corridor are both booming, Charlotte still lacks an "urban stroll" district. Camden feels close, but it is still mostly restaurants and national/regional chains. Do you feel like Southend or Uptown can ever become an area where you can spend a day walking and shopping, or do you think that type of development is going to happen elsewhere, or maybe not at all?
What should we do about Interstate 277? Terrible, dangerous road, and it creates a dead zone that makes it tough to connect uptown to close-in neighborhoods.
What of the idea of turning entire, existing streets into dedicated mass transit corridors with perhaps shared autonomous vehicles. Again, going beyond just dedicated lanes. Align adjacent land uses to TOD, use crossing gates for intersections similar to what’s done for light rail, and don’t you end up with a somewhat cheaper option for reliable mass transit corridors versus going out and buying land to lay track lines from scratch?
What are some of the currently unrepresented hotel flags you see coming to downtown/SE soon, aside from the ones already under construction? A Four Seasons? Grand Hyatt? There are a handful of brands curiously absent here.
Is development in Uptown going to slow down due to SouthEnd’s resurgence? While Uptown Charlotte is very lively during the day and lunch hour, it’s still relatively quite after 8 PM.
The South End Vision Plan (2017) recommended as strategic/shared parking approach too avoid each development building its own decks. I vaguely hear some kind of study is in the works, but this is URGENT.
I’m here Tony
I look forward to the next one!
Clayton, any idea if the Even Hotel at Stonewall Station is still underway? It seemed that work was paused for a while, and I haven't seen an article on it in a long time.
Is the Flywheel group still doing that Trailhead project North of Uptown?
What is the current status of the Strawn Site project on the East side of South Blvd, and could that serve as an impetus to activate some of the "sleepier" parts of South Blvd on that side of the street, ex: 1400-1500 block?
Is the Queens Park concept, i.e. the Central Park of Charlotte on re-purposed track land north of Uptown, still progressing...still viable? Funded by developer rights adjacent to the space?
When all the current construction is completed, what Metro would you compare Charlotte's skyline to in terms of scope?
Back in 2014-15, I was a big proponent of renovating Memorial Stadium for minor league soccer (Independence) and trying to use that to lever up to an MLS franchise. Obviously, Tepper changed that whole calculation, but the county is still going ahead with the stadium overhaul anyway. What role do planners see for the renovated stadium playing beyond as a host for a minor league soccer team that people may or may not care about once MLS arrives?
Apologies if you're busy crafting a reply to this question, but I didn't want to be left out: How do you see some of the currently more nebulous projects, like the Transit Center redevelopment and 7th/Tryon taking shape?
What are the plans for the river district. I was super excited when they announced it but I have not seen any progress in the last year or two.
What are the plans for the medical school.
Does upcoming development include affordable housing?
As an Elizabeth resident who lives just across the tracks from Chantilly, I'm curious what you're hearing about plans/ideas for the big Pecan/Central parcel.
Any idea when a tenant will be announced for the large corner space at Atherton Mill (next to Madewell and adjacent to South Blvd)?
How do you see some of the currently more nebulous projects, like the Transit Center redevelopment and 7th/Tryon taking shape?
Do you think the current infrastructure will be able to handle the projected growth and development of the area?
What are the biggest missed opportunities over the past 10-15 years?
Any ideas about new Southend retailers on the horizon? What might go into the Lowes building space?
What type of retailers are actually building new stores these days? Everyone seems to want "retail", but outside of the new South End retailers, I don't know what would fill in those spaces.
When will the next building/phase of Lincoln Harris development downtown be announced? Anchor? Height? Thanks
Hello! I'm here :)
How does SE becoming a high rise office market change the dynamics and trajectory of that area?
Morning Tony, everybody!