Eastland Yards construction ramps up, despite long start
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It's been a long time coming, but construction of the first housing at Eastland Yards is wrapping up, while the base for a second building is set.
Why it matters: Much of the discussion about Eastland is focused on a 29-acre portion of the old Eastland Mall site that's hit speed bumps in the planning process. But, in the meantime, construction has ramped up on other parts of the nearly 80-acre redevelopment.
Flashback: Since the city demolished Eastland Mall in late 2013, east-side residents have passed the dirt site daily, growing increasingly frustrated with its uselessness. In 2018 the city selected local developer Crosland Southeast to build something beneficial to the community.
- The developer spent most of the next year asking neighbors what they wanted built, says Tim Sittema, managing partner of Crosland Southeast. Then, in 2020, the pandemic slowed headway. But now?
- "I'm happy to say we're making good solid progress at this point," Sittema tells Axios. "We've got momentum on our side."
The first phase of the project will introduce a range of housing types and prices, including:
- Affordable senior living: Crosland Southeast is finishing construction on 70 units for residents 55 and older who fall in Charlotte's 30% to 80% of the area median income range. Move-ins start in October, Sittema says.
- Workforce, for-rent apartments: 274 units are under construction and will be ready for lease by late next year. The market-rate rents will target a workforce demographic — 80% to 120% of the area median income.
- Market-rate, for-sale homes: Saussy Burbank will build the first batch of approximately 160 single-family houses and townhomes.
Zoom in: On the ground floor of the apartment building, there will be 16,000 square feet of commercial space to rent affordably to local and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. That's enough incubator space for around five to 10 potential startups or minority-owned businesses.
- The city will lease the space from Crosland to make the program possible.
The plans also call for an approximately 4.5-acre county park fronting Central Avenue. Construction could start by the end of the year and finish by late 2025.
- So far the design includes one artificial lawn and one natural turf lawn with terraced seating, walking trails, covered picnic and performance areas, a restroom, a playground and water features, a multi-purpose sports court and skateboard ramps.
What's next: Multiple entities that submitted proposals to redevelop the 29 acres are now working together on a venue tentatively called "The Complex." The destination will mix sports, tech, and arts and entertainment amenities and be able to host concerts and festivals.
- Although it's one of the last parts of the vision to flesh out, it's perhaps the part of the project neighbors are most anxious about. They expect it to become the area's main attraction, drawing visitors who will boost the local economy.
- Tepper Sports and Entertainment was originally supposed to build a Charlotte FC practice facility but backed out in 2022, leaving the city to reimagine the site.
- The entities involved are EDGE Sports Global, Charlotte Soccer Academy and Southern Entertainment, which put on Lovin' Life earlier this year. The inaugural, massive music festival at First Ward Park was widely viewed as an organized success, proving many skeptics wrong.
- City council will receive a staff update on the project within four to six weeks.