Excitement Builds in Charlotte as West Boulevard Extension Opens
Today marks an important milestone for the city of Charlotte as the West Boulevard Extension is officially open! This new four-lane roadway connects to the developing River District, a large 1,400-acre project that promises to transform the area in the coming years.
A Celebration of Community and Growth
In a cheerful and energetic ribbon-cutting ceremony, Crescent Communities, along with Charlotte’s Mayor Vi Lyles and several city council members, celebrated the completion of this key infrastructure project. As high-fives and smiles filled the air, the mood was unmistakably one of progress and anticipation.
Brendan Pierce, Crescent’s president of commercial, expressed how pivotal this extension is: “With the opening of West Boulevard, I can say that The River District is now open for business.” It is clear that this new road will serve not only as an entryway but also as the heart of the River District’s vibrant town center called Westrow.
What’s in Store for The River District
Things are really heating up at The River District, as construction is about to kick off on more than 260 homes. This exciting residential development will involve several prominent builders, including Toll Brothers, DRB Homes, Saussy Burbank, and David Weekley Homes, all of whom are eager to start creating new homes in the area.
But that’s just the start! Crescent Communities has also begun work on the Novel River District, which will include a huge 318-unit apartment project, further contributing to the rapid growth of this exciting neighborhood. Plus, there’s an affordable housing project in the works by Laurel Street Residential that will add 87 units at Westrow, ensuring that varied housing options are available to accommodate all future residents.
Commercial Development Awaits
With people moving in, the plans for commercial development are set to advance. The ambitious master plan for the River District contains room for an astounding 8 million square feet of commercial space. This doesn’t just mean offices; this development is slated to include a plethora of retail stores and much more, fostering a diverse and bustling community.
Pierce explained the significance of this growth: “Once we start having people live out here, we will continue to expand our residential base, and then we’ll bring a commercial base in.” The vision for The River District goes beyond just residential and commercial spaces; it encompasses the formalized presence of corporate headquarters that could benefit the entire area.
A Bright Future Ahead
It excitingly worth noting that Crescent Communities embarked on this journey back in 2016, receiving city approval to develop The River District. After several years of meticulous planning, a groundbreaking ceremony took place just last year, paving the way for these immense changes to come to life.
Even though Crescent had its sights set on grand projects like a $400 million tennis complex, which would have hosted the famous Western & Southern Open, this venture did not pan out. However, the company’s commitment to making The River District a lasting legacy for the community remains as strong as ever.
A Legacy Project for Charlotte
Planning continues to flourish, with a total of 5,000 residential units, 1,000 hotel rooms, and plenty of green space along the lovely Catawba River outlined in the master plan. “The River District, we look at it as a legacy project,” said Pierce sincerely, referring to the broader impact that this development aims to contribute to Charlotte.
As we watch this neighborhood emerge, one thing is clear: The River District is set to become a remarkable part of Charlotte’s landscape, offering an enriched quality of life and vibrant community for many generations to come. So, whether you’re planning to move, invest, or just enjoy the new offerings, plenty of exciting times are ahead!
