April 11, 2025

Transformative $250 Million Project Set to Revitalize Charlotte

Northford Structural Connections (NSC)

Northford Structural Connections (NSC) specializes in innovative engineering solutions for enhancing the safety and durability of precast concrete structures. Their patented products, including the Double-Tee Flexible Connection (DTFC) and Double-Tee Connection Pro (DTC Pro), address critical challenges like fatigue, corrosion, and seismic resilience. With a focus on quality and longevity, NSC provides advanced connection systems trusted by industry professionals for both retrofitting and new construction projects.

News Summary

Charlotte, North Carolina, is set for a major transformation as the former Duke Energy headquarters is redeveloped into the Brooklyn & Church mixed-use project. This $250 million initiative will create 460 luxury apartments and 60,000 square feet of retail space, blending classic architecture with modern living. Developers MRP Realty, Asana Partners, and Rockefeller Group aim to address the city’s office vacancy rate through innovative design and vibrant community spaces. Completion of the project is expected by early 2027, marking a significant step towards urban revitalization in the area.

Transformative $250 Million Project Set to Revitalize Charlotte with Luxury Living and Retail

The skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina, is set for a significant overhaul as the former Duke Energy headquarters undergoes a remarkable transformation into a luxury mixed-use development known as Brooklyn & Church. With an investment exceeding $250 million, this ambitious project includes the conversion of the well-known office building into 460 high-end loft-style apartments along with 60,000 square feet of engaging retail space.

A New Chapter for an Old Landmark

Located at 526 S. Church St., the Duke Energy building, constructed in the 1970s, will retain its core and shell, creating a harmonious blend of classic architecture with modern living. The developers—MRP Realty, Asana Partners, and Rockefeller Group—are stepping into a unique challenge, marking it as Charlotte’s first-ever office-to-mixed-use conversion project. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the region while directly addressing the city’s increasing office vacancy rate, currently at a challenging 24.6%.

Elegant Features and Amenities

Future residents of Brooklyn & Church can expect an amenity-rich lifestyle enriched with features that include a stunning rooftop deck, a swimming pool complete with grilling stations, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Additional perks consist of dedicated coworking spaces, a bike room, and a dog run equipped with a pet spa, ensuring a comprehensive living experience tailored to modern needs.

The design will also enhance the building’s façade, introducing new windows and larger-than-average balconies, creating a vibrant yet sophisticated setting in the heart of Charlotte. As part of this comprehensive project, a new three-story retail building will rise at the corner of Church Street and Brooklyn Village Avenue, featuring an impressive 30,000 square feet of retail space.

Connecting Spaces

In a bid to foster community and accessibility, a 60-foot walkway will be constructed, seamlessly connecting the residential apartments to the retail center. This addition is poised to create a bustling atmosphere in the Brooklyn and Church neighborhood, promoting foot traffic and engagement among residents and visitors alike.

Progressing Forward Despite Challenges

Demolition of the former lobby and atrium of the building is set to commence in April 2024, with the overall project targeted for completion by late 2026 or early 2027. Although developers initially sought financial support through tax incentives from the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, they now plan to move ahead without these funds, showcasing their dedication to the project and its potential impact.

This strategic redevelopment is not only an economic solution aimed at countering the challenges posed by idle office spaces but serves as a beacon of innovation, transforming historical structures into vibrant living and commercial hubs. As Charlotte continues its push for revitalization, the Brooklyn & Church project stands as a testament to the city’s growth and adaptability in changing economic conditions.

A Promising Future

With the project’s investment exceeding $250 million and a commitment to adaptive reuse principles, Brooklyn & Church is set to redefine urban living in Charlotte. It reflects a forward-thinking approach to city planning that embraces both history and modernity, ensuring that the area thrives well into the future.