Ayrsley has gotten cool — and it’s becoming Steele Creek’s new downtown

This little pocket is right where South Tryon meets I-485 and it’s transforming from a sleepy suburban commercial center into something a lot more active: Steele Creek’s downtown.

A year ago, there was a fish store, salon and dirt in the heart of Ayrsley. Now it’s becoming — dare I say it? — downright cool.

The movement started with Piedmont Social House.

They just celebrated their one-year anniversary this past weekend. It’s 23,000 square feet of patio, bars, bowling, fire pits, billiards and lawn games.

[Agenda story: Piedmont Social House update: It’s open and it’s remarkable (12 photos)]

photo via Facebook

Next up: Rooney’s — a deli/bottle shop combo that the owners hope to be reminiscent of Common Market.

It’ll be owned by the same people behind Piedmont Social House. You’ll be able to get a six-pack or individual beers, sandwiches, and sit on picnic style tables inside the establishment. It will be designed as a neighborhood hangout for the apartments currently there and under construction.

Carolina Beer Temple is opening a new location here, too.

They said their new location will keep the same principles as the original Matthews location — only in a space that’s 1,000 square feet bigger.

Photo by Carolina Beer Temple via Facebook

Both spots join Portofino’s in the central courtyard.

The parking lot out front will be turned into a gathering place.

Customers of Rooney’s, Piedmont Social House, Carolina Beer Temple, Portofino’s and anywhere else will be able to bring their beers out here and hang out. They’re looking to do more evening events, too — kind of like Alive After Five in Uptown.<br/>

Construction fencing just went up, so this is getting underway right now.

Lots of other moves are in the works, too.

To name a few:

• @Dawn, a cafe from the people behind the well-regarded The Yolk in Rock Hill, recently opened.

• LA Boiled Crawfish has moved a few doors down and rebranded as Pho Ngon.
• Clean Eatz, a chain from Wilmington, is moving in to the old LA Boiled Crawfish location.
• Smoothie Remedy Cafe, a juice bar with poetry readings and art exhibits, opens later this summer.
• A second phase of apartments is about to be delivered in late July, right across from a second hotel.
• A new 120,000-square-foot office building also is in the works.

Image via New Forum

“This is the most activity we’ve had,” said William Hodges, a broker for Ayrsley developer New Forum.

Things will really start getting rolling at the end of the summer.

Steele Creek is hungry for this. These place are going to be popular.