Charlotte Prepares for Exciting New Development: The Iron District
The bustling city of Charlotte is set to make waves with a transformative development project called the Iron District. By turning a 55-acre former foundry site into a vibrant hub of residences, shops, and workplaces, the city is preparing for a lively 20 to 25-year journey of growth and innovation.
Charlotte Pipe & Foundry’s Vision
At the heart of this exciting new endeavor is Hooper Hardison, CEO of Charlotte Pipe & Foundry, who is equally enthusiastic and pragmatic about the project. Hardison has a vision of the old foundry site blossoming into a community spot brimming with shops, restaurants, and apartments. While he admits that the company is venturing into unfamiliar territory—real estate development—he has surrounded himself with experts to guide the initiative.
Through partnerships with CBRE Group Inc. and Trammell Crow, Charlotte Pipe has a solid foundation for the project. The Iron District will kick off construction late next year or early 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the area:
- 500 residential units
- 150-room hotel
- 100,000 square feet of retail and restaurants
- 150,000 square feet of office space
- 1,200 parking spaces
Strategic Location
Why is the Iron District such an attractive site? Well, its location is a big deal! Nestled at the intersection of West Morehead and South Clarkson streets, it’s right near the railroad tracks and the eminent Bank of America Stadium. This prime location sits comfortably between uptown Charlotte and the rapidly developing South End area, making it a perfect spot for business and pleasure.
A Long and Winding Road Ahead
Throughout the development, Hardison places emphasis on flexibility and navigating the complexities of such a project. As he poignantly states, “This is probably a 20- to 25-year buildout.” Even with the best plans, Hardison anticipates “curveballs along the way.” Still, his confidence in the experienced team working alongside him remains high.
Careful Selection Process
Speaking of that team, Hardison reminisces about the meticulous process that led to hiring Trammell Crow. He and his advisors, including former development executive Ned Curran, underwent a detailed selection process that lasted 18 months. “We don’t know a lot about real estate, so we figured from the get-go we needed help,” he recalls. This careful approach ensures that the development will be in capable hands.
Bringing History into the Future
One charming aspect of the Iron District project is the desire to honor the history of Charlotte Pipe & Foundry, which has been around since 1901. Hardison hopes to incorporate elements of the past into the new theme of the district, creating a blend of history and modernity. “We want people to feel like this site reflects a neat part of Charlotte’s history,” he explains.
A Bright Future for Charlotte
The journey is still in the early stages, but the prospects are promising. The first phase is anticipated to kick off in the latter half of next year, with so many possibilities awaiting the community. With this exciting transformation from foundry to a lively district, Charlotte is on the path to becoming an even more desirable place to live, work, and play. Hardison’s enthusiasm resonates as he concludes, “It’s going to be neat.”
