SOCC-2025-DRAFT

Charlotte

Innovation meets Momentum

2025 State of the Center City

What’s Inside 4

Talent

38

Mobility

10

Development

44

Outdoors

18

Work

46

Experience

28

Living

54

Regional Map

34

Hospitality

56

Acknowledgments

Photo by Chris Willenbrock

The 2024 Lovin’ Life Music Fest debuted with 81,000 fans attending the three-day music event in Uptown. The 2025 music festival was ranked one of the top 10 new festivals in the U.S., the only one in North Carolina to make the list.

85

Charlotte Center City

University Park

J.T. Williams

Lincoln Heights

Oakview Terrace Washington Heights Lakewood

Sugar Creek

Oaklawn Park

Double Oaks

McCorey Heights

85

Charlotte Center City’s transformation is creating a more balanced and resilient urban core, offering the Southeast’s most complete blend of urban living options, destination assets, and center of commerce.

Druid Hills North

Druid Hills South Tryon Hills

Smallwood

Enderly Park

Greenville

Biddleville Seversville

Ashley Park

North Charlotte

Lockwood

UPTOWN FOURTH WARD

Wesley Heights

Villa Heights

Optimist Park

Plaza Hills

1 Mile 2 Miles

THIRD WARD

Bryant Park Westover Hills Wilmore

FIRST WARD

SOUTH END

Brookhill

Commonwealth

Chantilly

Cherry

Michael Smith

Coliseum Drive Southside Park

For this document's purpose, "Center City" usually refers to a combination of: • Uptown (Charlotte’s Central Activity District — CAD)

Charlotte Center City Partners President & CEO 74

• South End

Eastover Sedgefield

Park Road/ Freedom Park

Myers Park

The seismic shifts caused by pandemic restrictions and changes in work patterns were massively disruptive forces to downtowns, creating challenges and opportunities. These disruptions are fueling changes in demand, accelerating trends, and shaping opportunities for winning markets like Center City Charlotte with 117 people migrating to the region every day.

Charlotte continues to achieve top 10 results in key differentiating areas such as the 1st net inbound migration destination, 2nd most desirable city to live, the 5th best job market for recent college graduates, and the 6th best market for private investment.

2024 was an exciting year for Charlotte Center City and will be remembered for developing a $5.4+ billion pipeline of private and public investments for new development and reimagined assets:

→

Modernized Bank of America Stadium and Spectrum Arena, along with renewed partnerships with our NFL, NBA, and MLS teams through 2045

→

New innovation districts with The Pearl and North Tryon Tech Hub

→

South End’s continued attraction for developing new office, retail, and apartments

→

Reimagined vintage office spaces, and

→

Novel entrepreneurial centers like the Market at 7th Street, COLAB at UNC Charlotte, and Do Greater Creative Lab Uptown.

74

Elizabeth

Dilworth

Charlotte Center City is positioned to be a leading downtown in the next economic cycle, building momentum as a destination for talent, jobs, investment, and innovation. It is maturing with a more balanced blend of work, live, and play assets, evolving from a singularly focused Central Business District to a more balanced Central Activity District.

Plaza Midwood

SECOND WARD

MIDTOWN

Revolution Park

3 Miles

Belmont

Charlotte Center City: Innovation meets Momentum

Downtown evolutions are built upon the aspirations of communities and advanced within the context of macro-economic forces and cycles. The attached report chronicles Uptown, South End, and Midtown’s development, the results of 2024, and a rich harvesting of insights to support an evaluation of Charlotte Center City.

• Midtown The term “Center City” also refers to the ‘2 Mile Ring’ or the neighborhoods within 2 miles of “The Square” at Trade and Tryon streets.

Blue Line Light Rail

Gold Line Streetcar

Silver Line Light Rail

Red Line Commuter Rail

(planned)

(planned)

William H. Rogers, Jr. Truist Chairman and CEO Charlotte Center City Partners Chairman, CCCP Board of Directors

It is an exciting time in our Center City as it has evolved into the Carolinas’ largest employment node with the densest neighborhoods, most celebrated arts and cultural district, and preeminent sports and concert hub.

We invite you to join us on this journey.

3

Section sponsored by

Center City is a magnet for a diverse and highly educated workforce attracted to the matching of jobs with career growth opportunities, engaging nightlife, and complete urban neighborhoods.

The influx of new talent and Charlotte’s top-tier workforce are selecting Center City jobs surrounded by diverse businesses, arts and culture, sports, hospitality, dining, music, entertainment, education and urban living. There is a strong correlation between the best places to work and Center City.

The 10 educational institutions in Center City help prepare the next generation of talent and enable employers to retain talent with convenient continuing education choices.

→ →

North Carolina continues to be one of the fastest-growing states ranking 4th in the nation for inbound migration.1 Charlotte is again one of the fastest-growing regions ranking 3rd in the country.2

Attracting and retaining talent remains a top priority for businesses.

Two important ingredients of the winning formula for hiring the best talent are location and proximity. A significant proportion of the best places to work in the Charlotte region are in Center City. Uptown and South End have unmatched assets and experiences across the economic, social, and cultural sectors.

Employers have a highly engaged talent pool due to their work being in proximity to home and schools, professional development and continuing education opportunities, and a range of unique dining, sports, cultural, and fun experiences.

Talent insights

1

#

NE+S

Top net inbound migration destinations.

United Van Lines & Zillow, January 2024.

People are moving to the Charlotte region primarily from the Northeast and South, including New York, Washington D.C, Atlanta, and Miami.

Photo courtesy of Little

2025 State of the Center City

Talent

“Flight to Quality of Life” in Center City.

43%

The best places to work in Charlotte*

JLL 2024 Market Spotlight Report

26% Center City is Top 10 in high-tech

28%

26% of Center City residents have a graduate degree or higher, and 69% have a bachelor’s degree.

2022 Census

4

CHART-LINE-UP

BULLSEYE-POINTER

SCHOOL-FLAG

TOWER-CELL

Most resilient tech market and positioned for renewed growth with 11,500+ tech jobs added since 2019

High tech job growth and office use with positive office rent growth from 2022 to 2023

Growth of 22% in Gen Z and 16% in millennial residents with college degrees since 2017

Concentration of tech talent in non-tech industries like FIRE (Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate), Professional Services, and Health Care sectors are 42% of tech workforce

1

U.S. Census Bureau, 2022-2023.

2

Ibid.

3

CBRE, Tech-30 2024; Dice, Tech Salary Growth, 2023; CBRE Scoring Tech Talent, 2024

117

14%

More than 3 million people call the Charlotte region home with more than 117 people moving here daily. The city’s growing population is becoming more diverse and increasing our community’s international connectivity with +14% being foreign-born, calling Charlotte home.

6%

5%

2022 Census

Left The 18.9-mile-long Blue Line provided a congestion-free commute to average of 98,000 riders per week in 2024.

Right Little Diversified Architectural Consulting recently renovated Truist Plaza and Lobby to transform and activate the spaces for teammates, tenants, and the community.

Center City

South Charlotte

CLT Region

North Charlotte

East Charlotte

4% West Charlotte

* Charlotte Business Journal, Best Places to Work, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024; Charlotte Center City Partners; Note: More than 390+ businesses were recognized as best places to work in Charlotte across the three years.

Talent

Photo by Marcello Aquino

3

5

29

Center City’s super magnets for the Charlotte region – North Tryon Tech Hub and The Pearl

UNC Charlotte Dubois Center and CO-LAB leverages higher-education talent and expertise, the entrepreneurial community, and corporate innovation to position Charlotte as a launchpad for tomorrow’s jobs, industries, and solutions.

28

Charlotte’s education super-region diversifies the talent attraction portfolio and the hyperlocal strengthens talent retention strategies.

35

27

10

33

Charlotte Center City Partners, UNC Charlotte, and community leaders from the private, public, and philanthropic sectors are spearheading the North Tryon Tech Hub. This collaborative effort is aimed at cultivating a globally recognized mixed-use innovation district at the nexus of academics, entrepreneurship, and corporate innovation. This will create a flywheel effect advancing economic opportunity and positioning Charlotte as a launchpad for tomorrow’s jobs, industries, and solutions.

The collaborative effort also identified core areas of expertise within UNC Charlotte that are most applicable to the North Tryon Tech Hub and tomorrow’s jobs and industries, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Critical Infrastructure.

25

23 21 20

11 34

32

12

31 14

15

13 17

36

2

24 22 19

18 26

3

39

1 14

Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte

→

16

1

9

40

38

1 Mile 2 Miles

26 6

31

11

5 7

Center City

UNC Charlotte will achieve Carnegie R1 status in early 2025, reflecting the University’s trajectory toward becoming one of this nation’s preeminent public research universities.

4

The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal

→

#1 producer in North Carolina for African American, female, and/or Hispanic computer science graduates.

UNC Charlotte, November 2024

→

Nation’s top 100 public universities with UNC Charlotte ranking #81 tied with nine institutions, including University of Kansas and University of Kentucky.

2025 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings

→

UNC Charlotte is the only public university in North Carolina to rank among the most innovative schools at #45 tied with seven schools, including Emory University and Georgetown University.

→

70% of UNC Charlotte graduates choose to stay in Charlotte.

UNC Charlotte Career Center

1

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

11 Wake Forest University

21 Georgia State University

31 Elon University

2

Johnson C. Smith University

12 North Carolina A&T

22 Emory University

32 UNC Greensboro

3

Johnson & Wales University

13 North Carolina Central University

23 Georgia Tech

33 Western Carolina University

4

Queens University

14 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

24 University of Georgia

34 Winston-Salem State University

5

Northeastern University

15 North Carolina State University

25 Clemson University

35 East Tennessee State University

6

Central Piedmont Community College

16 Duke University

26 University of South Carolina

36 Furman University

7

Savannah College of Art & Design

17 East Carolina University

27 The University of Tennessee

37 High Point University

8

Davidson College

18 UNC Wilmington

28 Virginia Tech

38 College of Charleston

9

Gardner Webb University

19 Spelman College

29 University of Virginia

39 Coastal Carolina University

10 Appalachian State University

20 Morehouse College

30 Virginia Commonwealth University

40 South Carolina State University

* These top-tier universities are highly ranked in terms of academic excellence, research output, faculty quality, and student selectivity.

Talent

2025 U.S. News & World Report Most Innovative Schools

6

37 8

The North Tryon Tech Hub

By leveraging the power of UNC Charlotte, existing neighborhood assets, a strong corporate community, supportive local government, and engaged entrepreneurial ecosystem, the North Tryon Tech Hub has achieved significant milestones, the first of which is the opening of UNC Charlotte’s CO-LAB. A space where entrepreneurs and innovators can access University expertise in a collaborative environment to tackle real-world challenges.

40 top-tier universities within a 250-mile radius*

30

7

The Pearl Created by a partnership between Atrium Health, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and Wexford Science and Technology, “The Pearl” is Charlotte’s new innovation district, designed to create an ecosystem grounded in life-sciences research and academics to create a “super magnet” for business start-ups, partnerships, and venture capital.

The Pearl will feature the Charlotte campus of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine at its heart, seating its first class in July. IRCAD North America will open its doors in September, drawing thousands of physicians to The Queen City each year to learn advanced surgical techniques and innovate alongside researchers and some of the world’s top medical device and imaging companies.

Combining medical research, education, and training with a healthy level of corporate support already committed and an entrepreneurial spirit essential within an innovation district, The Pearl is poised to reshape the Charlotte region into a nationally recognized hub of health science expertise and innovation.

We are building a hub for innovation, medical science and research that will accelerate the pace, scale and impact of clinical breakthroughs. The Pearl will play a critical role in shaping the future of medicine. We are attracting leading companies from across the globe, creating a ‘super magnet,’ where businesses, health care experts and community members learn and collaborate."

E ug ene A . Wo o d s CEO of Charlot te -based A d v o c at e H e a l t h , o f w h i c h At r i u m H e a l t h i s a p a r t

Talent

8

Photo by Klint Mullis

9

Highest building sales in Center City

Development

Photo courtesy of Riverside Investment & Development

2025 State of the Center City

Section sponsored by

Center City is well positioned to continue to attract tomorrow’s capital, creating opportunities and driving its transformation into a Central Activity District with an optimal portfolio of real estate classes.

The portfolio of space being planned, built, and reimagined reflects the future of work, living, and hospitality and will strengthen Center City’s position as a regionally significant center for commerce, premier visitor destination, and series of neighborhoods.

Right Legacy Union 6Hundred is a 24-story newly delivered office tower in Uptown distinguished by its expansive indoor/outdoor amenity center and access to the best Center City experiences.

$3.7 billion of new development in the pipeline.

Under construction and forecasted to break ground in 2026.

Space for 40,200 new workers

4,622,000

4,453,000

5,271,000

7,700,000

140,000

315,000

1,132,000

863,000

409,000 Space for 1,034,550 overnight visitors

Hotel rooms

1,300

200

1,500

1,800

2,850 Space for 19,200 new residents

400 1980-1989

1,000

8,200 1990-1999

2000-2009

13,000 2010-2019

2020-2024 including under construction projects

Photo courtesy of KKR

Office

2.2+ million sq ft

1.1+ million sq ft

1.1+ million sq ft

Retail

338,800+ sq ft

223,000+ sq ft

115,800+ sq ft

Hotel

1,630+ rooms

750+ rooms

880+ rooms

Museum Tower

12,000 CRVA, Charlotte Center City Partners, 2024

Residential

The Ellis

7,110+ apartments

2,360+ apartments

4,750+ apartments

$153.5 million $488 per sq ft Photo courtesy of Baston Cook Construction

10

Development

Residential

Photo courtesy of The Spectrum Cos.

$180.6 million $378 per sq ft

Center City

8,040,000 Space for 47 new shops/restaurants

Retail

$328.5 million $514 per sq ft

Photo by Patrick Schneider

Above Queensbridge Collective is a two-tower, mixed-use development connecting Uptown and South End.

Development by decade Office

Vantage

11

POINTS

Fli

Turn

SEVERSVILLE

er Av

Ch

olm

Ct

Ave

BIDDLEVILLE St

mit

ier

NC Mu

sic Fac

tory Blv

d

Ave

Flin

W

Auten St

W

ery

St

St

S

th

Po

pla

rS

rid Eld

ue

of

th

e

Art

N

s

S

C

r hu

ch

Tr

yo

n

Brevard St. / Transit Center

St

l Co

le

ge

st

THIRD ST/ CONVENTION CENTER STATION

E

ifre dS t

S

St

Av e Pa rk wo od St

St er nd xa

St

Gre

M ye rs

en wa yC

res

N St

N

n xa Ale

fth

t rS

de

ad

e

St

ell ow

GOV’T CENTER

N

St

St

cD

t rS

n xa Ale

tral

E

ow orr

St

N

M

M

art in

gs Kin

Dr

er

St

Kin g

Jr

Arm

Sa

Blv

d

m

Ry

bu

rn

W

alk

St ow el l

E

El

St ldw in

Ba Av e

Av e n

err

Ch yS t ain

M St

S To rre n ce St

Ava nt

o

Eli

St

St W elk er

Av e

Luth

St

ld win

Ba

W ac

St

er

St

St

pA ve

Belgrave Pl

rin gd ale

Sp

Baxte

r St

Ha rd in g Pl

ore he ad

M ed

M

Pl

ox Av e

Le nn

Linganore

He ig

Av e

Ln

Development

ff Cli

d ea eh or

W inth ro

hts

Av e

l gP in

M

tA ve

urs

dh

Ave

Ly n

Car lton

d

Be

E

e Av ley rke

yR an

dA ve

Ct Village

St

xte

d

m ey Av e

e

St

CHERRY

rd Ha

To o

Av

ird

St

er

o wo en

Aro

m Ro

cli

d

th

Lu th

Gre

sa

Dr

Eu

Blv

ur

rS t

Lexington Ave

e Av

dA ve

nA ve

lo

S Cecil

Ba

Ave

to

Ra n

Mt Vernon Ave

y ele rk Be

Cle ve lan

st

th

litan Ave

Lafaet te

Abbo tt St

Dilworth Rd

Av e

Fo

Metro po

St

Kenilworth Ave

Av e

rk ele yA ve

EAST/WEST STATION

Rampart St

St

Th

t rS

Charlott etown e Ave

Be

on

th

E

Cher ry St

xte

St

Ba

Rd

Haw kins

rA ve

EK ing s

be

e Av

en

Pl

e Av ole

cD

M

Ori on

ela e

The Pearl

St ell ow

tV ern

Re ns s

iza

n e Av

S

lvd

EW ort hin gto

Fif

ng to

vd

gto xin Le

Bl

md

Ca

Ave

d

cli

Eu

M

Ath ert on

Dr

cD M

h

od

rd

kfo

Dr

Tre

ory

CPCC CENTRAL CAMPUS

St

wo

Wic

ore

W

Ave

Lu th

MIDTOWN

yrt M

Ave

Ln

M

E

Centre South

WW orth

ingt on

nt

de

S

W inn if

ut

St

Ca

nd Bla

uth

St

Wilm

st B

ce

St

So

E

So

int

Ave

tA ve

Tr

N

S ll we ld

S

n Av e

tA ve

d

nth

Brooklyn Village

BLAND STATION

m

lR

St

ve

t

Ct

it A ve

rk Av e

ET re

ok hil

Se

nS

Kee

m

Ea

Bro

th

T ry o

e

m

nA ve

d

h

E

N Dr

Sq ua re

ore he ad

oll SC

Av

an

SM

rim

Woodcrest Ave

lR

Fi

St

re dS t

d Su

W Pa

W Tremont Ave

ok hil

r

Lil li

Dr irk nk Du

oo W

St

EP ark

Bro

tD

St

eg eS t

Ave an

Way ier

rrim Me

ird

ur

St

tw

na

Doggett St

BROOKHILL

tric

eA ve

Cart

Th

Fo

E

rch

hu

es

W ino

We

m on

St

ad he ore

St

e St

Status

Photo courtesy of UNC Charlotte

S

vid Da

EM

d Blv

CARSON STATION

WK ings to

Photo courtesy of Trammell Crow Company

Dis

otte tow n

on rs

Bla

SC

W

Dr

n Av e

Wilmore Dr

xt

SECOND WARD n

so

St on

ew all

le

Rezoned for mixed-use development and marketing efforts underway. Blume Studios opened in 2024 with its first exhibit in a transformed industrial warehouse.

en

McDOWELL STREET

Ca

St nS t

nd

WK ings to

Mer

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry property

rd

St

E

h

Ave

t

W

WILMORE

Contains

nth

arl

rc

La

St

Pe n

rk Pa

eS

Vision and conceptual development in 2024.

UNC Charlotte’s CO-LAB and Do Greater’s Creative Lab Uptown Entrepreneurial Centers deliver in 2025.

ruc

Photo courtesy of Atrium Health

Status

ore

Spruc

ce St

Active construction site for the medical school broke ground in 2023. The project is delivering in June 2025 with the medical school’s first class.

Large assemblages by multiple owners including Levine Properties and Mecklenburg County

Iron District 55 acres

Wilm

Spru

Atrium Health / Wake Forest Medical School and Health & Innovation District

Contains

n Av e

Ga

Te

Ch

QBC / Carson & Tryon

Pa lm

er

St

M

W

SOUTH END

St

Cen

STONEWALL STATION

E

W

Sp

Contains

WK ings to

St

ey St

St

th

ay

Ch

W inn

St

oln

W

en

FIRST WARD

St

St

Gr S

S

rd va Bre

Ca ld we ll

St am ah

E St

e

St

an

Lin c

e

N E Si

E

erc

na

m

m

Co

e Av

ino W

it

m

m e

rrim

Av

en

Ave

St

Su Quinc

rd

irte

igle

h

Tw elf th

Ga

Th

Se

urc

St

E

CTC STATION

St

St

an

d

ge

hth

ll we ld

ar

nb

m

Blv

le

St

Ca

St

Du

on

l Co

Eig

Blv

St

W

rs

E

St

SEVENTH ST STATION

d ea eh or

St Ca

th

ill

N

t

M

er

lm Pa W

t

W M

North Tryon 50 acres

h

M ill Ln E

W

W

n Pe

tS

Nin

NINTH ST STATION

cG

St

m Dr

in

S

The Pearl 40 acres

Ch urc

St

N

St

M

Ct

n

yo

Tr

St

Ave M

rS t

E

St

E

St

N Jr

Av en

Legacy Union & Church St.

S

la

North Tryon

St

S

son St

Po p

Alp ha

h

nth

St

St

e

ge

N

Ch

c ur

St

MINT STREET

t

ur

St

ve

N

n

Kin g

S

S Clark

Ele

M ye rs

S

Fo

h

d

Le vin

so

Cla

ird

tS

xt

Lu th

St

S

Th

all ew

St

art in

er

rk

St

E

tW ard

fth

Si

M

on St

er

W

t

W

lm

do

Fre e

Pa

W

St

Iron District st

St

St

St

da Ce

cN M

is

lS

e

Bre va rd

rS

t

St in

ch

Hil

Pin

Fir s

St orr

OPTIMIST PARK

N

rt

Ave

W

Po

a Gr

m ha

in

St

t

M

St

Lo ng

t tS io

Fi

Ell

lve

S Summit

S

Bryant Pl

hth

St

St

Ca

M

W

BRYANT PARK

St

Co

dle

ruff Wo

od

rk so n

ve

W

S

lS

th

Sp in

Pl

Ave la

Huston Cr

e Rd Westley Villag

t

Cla

um

S

SS mit A tS t

Hil

Eig

ve

rS

West Stone Way

Le

Ln alk rw ate

Ln

W

ide ols

St

rA

Po

am

fe

da

in

Photo courtesy of Trammell Crow Company

ah

Pfi

Ce

nd Av e

Fir s

W

en

St

Gr

W

THIRD WARD

Ext

irte

S

Gra Rd W

Th

ge lle

GATEWAY STATION

Gateway Station District

en

lea f

E

St

N

W

N

e

Dr

Suttle

12

ro

ok

nth

St

Vict

ve

tb

oria Av

W es

Ave

Te

St

N

ar

Ave

tA

er

Isom St

Status Above The Iron District, LLC, a subsidiary of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, selected Trammell Crow Company as its developer for the first phase of development. Phase 1 envisions a 150-key hotel, 500 residential units, 100,000 square feet of retail space, 150,000 square feet of Class A office space, and more than 1,200 parking spaces.

nth

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY

win

lnu

ak

Gre

WESLEY HEIGHTS

Wren St

The sites will attract institutional investors and major employers across multiple development cycles and in a variety of sectors. Center City has three unrivaled development opportunities that encompass more than 40 contiguous acres in and near the Central Activity District.

ve

ed

S Ir

Wa

Lit

St

W

hth

Ale

St

Eig

n

th

St

Se

St

Bre va rd

W

NC

nd

Four

Sm

ith

W

so

W

co

th

Pl

Lid

de ll S t

Da vid

St

W

Center City has several distinct locations that will be transformational for Charlotte’s development pattern and economy.

N

N St n N

e

IRWIN AVENUE

St

Se

Nin

Av t

in

hS

Irw

urt

N

Fo

E

St

xt

St

nth

hE

N

W Morehead

St

ve

urt

W Fourth Ext St

Ln

th

Ele

Fo

Tw elf th

Cla

m ca Sy N

W

ore

Ct

en

W

W

t

E

FOURTH WARD

rk

ore

so

St

St

fS

cam

clif

ixte

St

es

St

S Sy

ath

W

is

ES

St

Elm

Cat

Dr

ade

N

bo

th

sw ort h

WESLEY HEIGHTS

ts Way

W

He

Rushing Creek

t ll S de Lid

Ave

ok

Wesley Heigh

RD KASEEGEE

Du

en

W ad

W Tr TUC

W

so

e

hn

Av

e Pl

tbro

dval

Fif te

Wes

Woo

W

Jo

ut

Duckworth

aln

om

fth

n

ntg

Fi

St

Mo

N

ns

Dr

ru SB

gs Kin

St

S

State

tS

t

NS

um

St

St

Fraz

th

ell

Six

xw

N Bruns Ave

W

Ma

Sumter Ave

St

Ave

hb yS t

opac

Ka

h tona

ish

As

Mah

e

S Bruns Ave

lD

ica

Ha

l

13

Center City across multiple development cycles This informational graphic is intended to illustrate office, retail, residential, and hotel development since the Great Recession in and around Uptown, South End, and Midtown.

Completed during the most recent development cycle (2010 – present) Announced with a forecasted groundbreaking by 2026 Under construction Announced and planned Reimagined – modernizations and conversions

Development

14

15

Modernizations

Conversions

Work

Work to Play

101 Independence $43+ million with lobby renovations, upfitted workspaces, and Monarch Market — One South $13+ million with modern spec suites, renovated lobby, and hospitality-leaning amenity floor — 550 South An office tower with planned renovations to include an overhauled lobby, new amenity floor, and modern spec suites Photo courtesy of Tepper Sports & Entertainment

The global pandemic caused seismic shifts and accelerated trends in work rhythms and space utilization, which created opportunities and challenges for downtowns. Charlotte Center City is leveraging these disruptions as a transformative opportunity to reimagine vintage assets with office conversions leading to a more balanced real estate portfolio between work, live, and play experiences. Center City’s evolution into a more vibrant and resilient Central Activity District is also being bolstered by the modernization of the Charlotte region’s largest sports venues.

16

—

— Photo by Gresham Smith

Photo courtesy of Morris Adjmi Architects

CO-LAB A former school reimagined into an entrepreneurial and innovative space with access to University expertise

Work to Live

—

Brooklyn & Church $250 million to convert 800K sq ft office building into a mixed-use asset with 448 apartments and 55K sq ft of retail

Creative Lab Uptown An office space reimagined into a hub for entrepreneurship, digital creativity, and workforce development for young adults

—

Photo courtesy of Gensler

200 N. Tryon The planned conversion of a 458K sq ft office building into a mixed-use development with a residential and retail focus

Play Bank of America Stadium $800+ million to upgrade the home of NFL Carolina Panthers and MLS Charlotte FC

Spectrum Center $375+ million to upgrade the home of NBA Charlotte Hornets and new performance center Photo courtesy of Cousins Properties

— Charlotte Ballet An existing arts and cultural asset being reimagined with new dance studios, housing for artists-in-residence, retail, and outdoor event space

Blume Studios $2.5 million to transform an industrial warehouse into an immersive entertainment venue with retail

From Left to Right Bank of America Stadium Creative Lab Uptown Brooklyn & Church Beckworth Hotel 550 South Charlotte Hornets Performance Center

Bank of America Stadium has been a special place for our Panthers, and now Charlotte FC, fans for nearly 30 years. While Bank of America Stadium has solid infrastructure, investments are needed to ensure that our decades-old venue continues to deliver the best experience for our players, fans, and community."

K ris t i C oleman C h i e f E xe c u t i v e O f f i c e r o f Te p p e r S p o r t s & Ent e r t a i n m e nt

Development

The amount of public and private investment in more than a dozen highlighted assets being reimagined with modernizations and conversions is more than $ 1.7+ billion and will enable Center City to be a national leader.

Beckworth Hotel An active conversion project of a 172K sq ft office building into a mixed-use development with retail and 245 hotel rooms

Photo courtesy of Hornets Sports and Entertainment

Reimagining Center City

201 N. Tryon An office tower with a planned repositioning, including a reimagined ground floor with new lobby café and lounge, façade and terrace, and amenity floor

17

2025 State of the Center City

Work insights

Work

2

#

Section sponsored by

3

#

5

#

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. Census Bureau, 2022-2023

41M+

Center City has 41.5 million square feet of office space inventory with an average market rent per square foot of $40.

Ranked #5 U.S. city for recent college graduates.

ADP

1,000+

The Charlotte region is home to 1,000+ international businesses attracting over $2 billion in capital since 2022.

Uptown is home to the headquarters of four Fortune 500 companies

Photo courtesy of CBI / Gensler

Businesses are thoughtfully accelerating return-to-work initiatives, balancing directives with innovative strategies to optimize their built spaces. Instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, organizations are prioritizing work environments tailored to the specific needs of each business unit. By designing spaces with flexibility at their core, they are preparing for inevitable future changes while creating functional and inviting environments. This intentional design is essential for supporting return-tooffice strategies and driving optimal outcomes."

David L ong o F o u n d e r, C h a i r m a n , a n d C E O / C B I Wo r k p l a c e S o l u t i o n s

Work

Right DP World, a global logistics company, has its Americas operations in Vantage South End.

Charlotte metro is #3 for GDP growth.

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Nov 2024

Capital markets and sector-leading employers continue to invest in Center City, creating collaborative, flexible, and commuteworthy spaces that bring teams together and facilitate direct engagement with customers. These elevated work encounters enriched with neighborhood experiences foster unexpected knowledge exchanges, creating opportunities and ideas that may otherwise remain undiscovered.

Photo by Mike Anthony Photography

125K

CoStar

Center City is a compelling destination optimized for the employee experience, career advancement, and business innovation with its mix of employers in their personalized workspaces alongside hotels and shops, restaurants and bars, schools and universities, homes and parks, arts and cultural institutions, and sports and music venues.

18

CNBC, 2024

125,000+ people are estimated to work in Center City each day, and CoworkingCafe ranks the city as the #7 "Biggest Boomtown in the United States."

Placer.ai

Powered by Center City’s vibrant commercial hub and the region’s diversified sectors, Charlotte is one of the top metros for economic growth in the nation with 9.8% GDP growth since 2022.

Left 110 East is a newly delivered 23-story office tower distinguished by a platform level featuring retail and restaurants at a Blue Line stop in South End.

North Carolina is #2 in CNBC’s 2024 Top States for Business rankings.

19

In 2024, TTX Co. leased an additional 15,000 sq ft at The Line in South End.

TTX Company looks forward to contributing to the vibrancy of South End and welcoming new top talent to join our existing team in a truly dynamic and state-of-the-art location."

B rian Power s C h i e f H u m a n R e s o u r c e s O f f i c e r, TTX

Work

20

Photo courtesy of Gensler

21

The frequency of people working* from Uptown and South End has increased throughout 2024 and is approximately 81% of pre-pandemic levels. * Defined as people primarily working from the office (4 days per week) and in a hybrid arrangement (3 days per week in the office)

Peer CBD Class A office inventory versus rents 40M

$

90

$

75

$

60

Photo courtesy of Gensler

35M $

30M

Site Selection Magazine ranked North Carolina and Charlotte as a leading state and city for businesses.

The paramount factors for the ranking include talent, tax policy, affordability, economic incentives, quality of life, and workforce development.

68

25M

20M

$

45 $

15M

$

36

$ $

34

37

$

42

31

$

45

$

30

→

North Carolina is the second best state for business climate.

→

Charlotte is the second best city for headquarters.

This new space will bring us together in a way that strengthens our company culture, while offering upgraded amenities and a modern environment designed to support our continued growth.

Remaining in Uptown reflects our commitment to being part of Charlotte’s energetic community and providing a workspace that inspires and excites our team."

W illiam G old field D i r e c t o r o f C o r p o r at e C o m m u n i c at i o n s , D o l e

Highlighted employer announcements in 2024

10M 15

$

0

$

Charlotte, NC

Atlanta, GA

Nashville, TN

Phoenix, AZ

Class A office space inventory in sq ft

Raleigh, NC

0

Tampa, FL

Average direct asking rent per sq ft Costar, JLL Q4 2024

22

Above One South, a 40-story office tower in Uptown, offers an amenity floor experience called Three. The Gensler-deigned space is filled with hospitality-forward programming and has a retractable glass wall overlooking Trade and Tryon.

Left Uptown experience hall space creating an active and alluring environment for team members while engaging the community.

Work

Total office space inventory in sq ft

Austin, TX

Photo courtesy of Gensler

5M

23

Uptown

Photo by Todd Mason

Uptown has the Charlotte metro’s largest office space inventory with a range of options and amenities, variety of major employers, and large share of its Fortune 500 headquarters.

Uptown’s highly educated talent, supportive corporate ecosystem, robust transportation infrastructure, and mix of desirable social settings positions Charlotte’s center of commerce as a leading downtown destination for office site selection. Compared with peer central business districts, Class A office space in Uptown strikes a balance between availability and affordability.

Companies are bringing their teams together in Center City to drive innovation, mentor and empower their workforce, engage directly with customers and clients, and create a competitive advantage.

Workers

107,000

20,100

91%

Buildings delivered since 2000 are more than 91% leased.

CoStar

South End

Photo courtesy of Gresham Smith

South End continues to grow as a destination for both Class-A office space and employers. The neighborhood has extended Center City’s central activity district with top-tier, hospitality-forward office space immersed within a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood. South End is one of only a handful of destinations that maintained positive absorption through the pandemic environment, and the availability rate is one of the lowest among Charlotte’s submarkets.

50

$

Office rents are setting new highs for the Charlotte market at $50 per sq ft.

CoStar

$40

$42

Office inventory S Q F T

26.9 million

5.5 million

Left Perkins&Will recently modernized Wells Fargo’s 550 S. Tryon in Uptown by transforming the three highest office floors into gathering spaces and a variety of workrooms for all employees.

Top Left Carson & Tryon by Crescent Communities will be a 31-story mixeduse tower occupying a half city block, connected to the best of both Uptown and South End. Bottom Left Perkins&Will Charlotte studio in Uptown.

Top Right Gresham Smith’s office in Uptown provides a diverse array of settings, catered to meet employees’ individual preferences.

Bottom Right The Line is a 16-story tower fronting the Rail Trail in South End and with a firstof-its-kind in Charlotte sky lobby with outdoor terrace.

Photo courtesy of Perkins&Will

Photo courtesy of Keith O’Brien / Liftoff Visibility

Work

24

Market rent P E R S Q F T

Photo courtesy of Crescent Communities

25

Innovation meets Momentum.

Top net inbound migration destinations

117

people moving here daily

5.4

billion pipeline of private and public investments for new development and reimagined assets

2

Charlotte is the second-best city for headquarters

$

#

81%

The frequency of people working from Uptown and South End is 81% of pre-pandemic levels

10K+

There are currently 10,000+ apartments under construction and planned in Uptown and South End

266K+

Uptown visits for Concert for Carolinas and Charlotte Hornets home opener on October 26th

186

Nonstop destinations from Charlotte Douglas International Airport

35+

Parks, greenways, and trails in Center City

330+

Days and nights of live sporting events in Center City each year

Scan for updated insights about Center City.

Photo by Gabe Aquino / Stephanie Bramble

1

#

Shop Small Saturday has been a South End tradition for more than a decade and attracted more than 14,000 visitors in 2024.

Photo courtesy of Portman Holdings

2025 State of the Center City South End is such a special place, so it was really important to us that Linea be just as special. It's connected to The Line, literally by a skybridge, but also by this public plaza we’ve created ... that forms this open space with retail spilling out into it."

K ate C ulver Photo courtesy of VAPA Center

Living

Photo by Marcello Aquino

Center City is home to more than 73,000 residents providing a consistent vibrancy to Charlotte region’s largest employment node, premiere arts and cultural district, and densest sports and concert hub.

This combination of people and assets linked together with grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, nightspots, and new housing has led to the continued growth of a diverse, young, and well-educated residential population. The collection of distinct neighborhoods filled with a wide range of housing choices are stitched together with walkable, bikeable, and convenient transit options. Center City’s apartments, student housing, and for sale homes offer choice for neighborhoods, homes, and commute preferences with the certainty of commute times to work or airport, sporting event or grocery store, or a night out with family and friends.

28

Right The Market at 7th Street is a nonprofit culinary and retail incubator that has incubated more than 75 unique, small businesses since 2010. It is North Carolina’s first food hall and a premier welcoming place in Uptown.

By the numbers

73,000+ $414K 31,800+ 180+

Center City has 73,000+ residents, with more moving here everyday U.S. Census 2022

The median home price for the Charlotte metro area in 2023 was $414,500 Zillow

There are 31,800+ apartments in Center City, and the average market rent per unit is $1,950 CoStar

180+ public and charter elementary, middle, and high schools in Charlotte as well as 120+ private schools, along with 400+ daycare centers and preschools Mecklenburg County Open Data Portal

Living

Left The Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA) in Uptown provides space for artists to create, practice, exhibit, and perform their respective arts.

V i c e P r e s i d e nt o f R e s i d e nt i a l D ev e l o p m e nt , P o r t m a n

Presented by U.S. Bank, Rail Trail Lights celebrates local art with never-beforeseen interactive light installations along the Rail Trail in South End. Photo by Marcello Aquino

29

Charlotte is Top 10 for quality of life Best places to live

There are currently 10,000+ under construction and planned apartments in Uptown and South End with 2,000+ already delivered in 2024.

Residents

Most desirable cities to live

Best cities for black professionals

Best cities to jumpstart a career after college

23,400+

14,700+

Apartment homes

8,800+

10,000+

Average rent P E R U N I T

$1,950

$2,100

Median household income

$87,000

$100,000

Apartments U N D E R C O N S T R U C T I O N

590+

2,660+

Median age

33

30

Average rent and median home sale price compared to peer cities Median home sale price

Median days on market

$394,600

23

$1,900

Atlanta, GA

$410,200

31

$2,100

Tampa, FL

$414,500

31

$1,800

Charlotte, NC

Average rent

Best places to retire

$434,600

27 $1,800

Dallas, TX

32 $1,800

Raleigh, NC

$503,700

24

$1,900

Phoenix, AZ

$518,500

21

$1,800

Austin, TX

$525,900

30

$1,900

Nashville, TN

$463,800

Top cities for millennial homebuyers

$581,200 $610,000

Hottest housing market 1.2M

30

1M

800K

600K

400K

200K

Washington, D.C.

28

$2,100

Denver, CO

24

$3,100

San Francisco, CA

0

Living

$988,500

28 $2,500

31

New residential opened in 2024

Top Left

Kingston South End 324 units 24-story multifamily project in South End from White Point Partners and Greystar including one, two, and threebedroom apartments and penthouses.

Bottom Left

Varick on 7th 105 units Five-story multifamily project from Laural Street including one to three-bedroom apartments. This inclusive community in Uptown has 50 income-restricted apartments for households earning 30%, 60%, and 80% AMI.

Photo courtesy of Kingston South End

Photo courtesy of The Boulevard

Center

Hawkins Press 426 units Seven-story multifamily project in South End from Akridge and Kettler including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

Top Right

The Boulevard 283 units A seven story, Roaring 20’s-themed community located in South End from Alliance Residential includes apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. This project also entails a long, missing segment of The Rail Trail.

Bottom Right

Everly 253 units

32

Living

Five-story multifamily project in South End with a Charleston feel from Ram Realty Advisors with home options ranging from micro-units up to large threebedroom residences.

Photo courtesy of Varick on 7th

Photo courtesy of Hawkins Press

Photo courtesy of Everly

33

2025 State of the Center City

Thousands gathered at the SkyShow Fireworks 4th of July at Truist Field.

Hospitality Center City’s hotels are anchor establishments for the Charlotte region’s visitor and experiential economy.

Uptown is poised to attract even more visitors with several hotel projects under construction and planned that will deliver more than 450 rooms by 2026. Marriott is constructing a 13-story, 208-room Moxy Hotel scheduled to open in Q1 2025.

KHP Capital Partners is converting the Johnston Building, a 100-year-old office building, into a 245-room hotel set to open in the summer of 2026. InterContinental is planning a 257-room hotel connected to the restoration of The Carolina Theatre. Construction on the theatre and new lobby will wrap in Q1 2025 with the hotel planned for later.

34

Photo by Sam Vargas

Center City hospitality sector performance for 2024 80%

6,700+

Rooms in Uptown and South End

70%

$

350

$

300

$

250

$

200

CoStar; Charlotte Center City Partners 60%

50%

450+

Additional rooms under construction CoStar; Charlotte Center City Partners

40% 150

$

30% 100

$

20%

6%

Up 6% RevPAR year to date CoStar; Charlotte Center City Partners

10%

0% 2019

ADR

2020

RevPAR

2021

Occupancy

2022

2023

YTD

Costar, JLL Q4 2024

$

50

$

0

Hospitality

Left Merchant and Trade, one of the several rooftop bars in Uptown, was ranked #8 on Mando Media’s 2024 Top Rooftop Bars in the World.

By the numbers

ADR and RevPAR

With a full docket at the expanded Charlotte Convention Center and the increasing number of live sporting events and concerts in Uptown, Center City’s attractiveness will continue as a destination in the experience economy.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Knights

Occupancy

The hotels in Center City continue their robust performance with business, group meetings, and leisure traveler growth.

The number of visitors coming to experience Uptown and South End’s thriving sports, arts, culture, and culinary scenes increased and created the strongest demand growth among all of Charlotte’s submarkets.

35

More than 82,000 people attended the Concert for Carolina at Bank of America Stadium on October 26th.

Top 10 days for the highest number of Uptown visits for 2024 all related to sporting events or concerts at Bank of America Stadium and Spectrum Center. During these peak days for Uptown, the number of visits was 100,000 more than the typical day in 2024. The wide range of events throughout the entire year attracted diverse audiences interested in the NFL Carolina Panthers, MLS Charlotte FC, NBA Charlotte Hornets, college football games, concerts, and festivals.

October 26

June 1

Concert for Carolina,

George Strait & Chris Stapleton

266,000

Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat (Home Opener) —

October 19

258,000

Morgan Wallen: One Night at a Time Tour

210,000 —

December 7

198,000

ACC Championship Game: SMU Mustangs vs Clemson Tigers,

—

Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers

October 18

—

245,000

Morgan Wallen: One Night at a Time Tour —

September 7

235,000

Duke Mayo Classic: NC State Wolfpack vs Tennessee Volunteers

July 10

198,000

2024 Copa America: Semifinals Uruguay vs Colombia —

August 17

186,000

—

Carolina Panthers vs New York Jets (Preseason),

April 27

Charlotte Pride Festival

220,000

Kenny Chesney: Sun Goes Down Tour with Zac Brown Band

—

February 24

184,000

Photo by Alex Herko

36

Hospitality

Charlotte FC vs New York City FC (Home Opener)

37

2025 State of the Center City

Mobility

Walking and biking in Center City.

Walk Score®

Charlotte’s transportation infrastructure investments converge in Center City creating opportunities for people to access dynamic economic, social, and cultural experiences.

Walkability Transit

Unmatched mobility options link Charlotte region’s largest employment node, densest neighborhoods, most compact arts and cultural cluster, and largest sport and concert hub. The various modes of transportation serve to connect people with new opportunities, shared experiences, and other people.

38

74 VERY WALKABLE

73

64

E XC E L L E N T T R A N S I T

GOOD TRANSIT

64

58

BIKEABLE

BIKEABLE

Very walkable: Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Good transit: Many nearby public transportation options

Excellent transit: Most trips are convenient for transit

Bikeable: Some bike infrastructure

Center City is at the nexus of the region’s road and transit network, and all of the neighborhoods throughout Uptown and South End are very walkable.

🚊

The Gold Line Streetcar serves a 4-mile route through Center City with 17 stops connecting three university campuses and Novant Health, one of two major medical centers, to the center of commerce for the Charlotte region.

TRAIN-SUBWAY

The Blue Line is 18.9 miles long and operates from I-485 at South Boulevard through Center City to UNC Charlotte’s main campus in University City. With 26 stations, including 11 park and ride locations, the Blue Line provides a congestion-free commute with consistent travel times.

🚴

Scooter and electric assist bike share options make it fun to travel throughout South End, Uptown, and Midtown, with over 14.5 miles of protected bike lanes, the Rail Trail, and greenways.

Left Rendering of new South End Light Rail Stop

Below Romare Bearden Park is in Uptown next to Truist Field offering events, waterfalls, and pathways.

Right The 3.5 mile Rail Trail in South End and Uptown is part of the 70+ miles of developed greenway trails in Mecklenburg County.

Photo by Kyo H. Nam

Mobility

Rendering courtesy of Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)

PERSON-WALKING-ARROW-RIGHT

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the seventh-busiest airport in the world, is located approximately 5 miles from Uptown.

Photo by Marcello Aquino

🛫

Bikeability

83 VERY WALKABLE

39

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.

→ 7th

busiest airport in the world for arrivals and departures Airport Council International

Located only 5 miles from Charlotte’s central activity district, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) provides unparalleled connectivity and service with nation-leading stats for nonstop destinations and on-time departures. Domestic fares at CLT align with large or fast growing markets like San Francisco, New York, Houston, and Dallas.

—

→ 186

Nonstop flights, including 39 international destinations and three U.S. territories

In 2023, CLT broke ground on its fourth parallel runway as part of its $3.1 billion Destination CLT portfolio. The airport’s current capacity is 72 departures and 72 arrivals during peak hours. The new runway will be commissioned in 2027 and projected to increase peak-hour arrivals and departures of 100+ by 2033.

Charlotte Douglas International

—

→ Top 5

For on-time departures and ranked the most efficient large airport in the U.S.

The new 10,000-foot-long and 150-foot-wide runway is a key part of Destination CLT, a decade-long renovation and expansion plan. The plan also includes a $600 million overhaul of the main terminal lobby, expected delivery in 2025, and a 10-gate expansion of Concourse A that opened in 2024.

Charlotte Douglas International

—

→ 118,000

Photo by Myles Gelbach

People travel to, from, and through Charlotte Douglas each day Charlotte Douglas International

→ 4th

Top U.S. domestic airport megahub

→ 8

Major domestic airlines

OAG Aviation Analytics

Charlotte Douglas International

—

—

→ $32 billion

Annually to the state's economy

→ 7th

NC Department of Aviation

Wilson Air Center at Charlotte Douglas (WAC-CLT) was voted 7th best fixed-base operator in the U.S.

—

Professional Pilot’s 2024 PRASE Survey

→ 1,400

Daily arrivals and departures Charlotte Douglas International

—

→ 114

—

→ 15

Regional carriers and 3 foreign flag airlines Charlotte Douglas International

Terminal gates Charlotte Douglas International

Left CLT is located only 5 miles from Charlotte Center City.

Below In July 2024, two new skybridges opened at CLT as part of the $600 million terminal lobby expansion.

Flight times to other airports 3+ hours

Under 2 hours

21 nonstop flights to the Caribbean

Under 3 hours

8 nonstop flights to Europe: Athens, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Madrid, Paris, and Rome

Photo by Jack VanderToll via CLTtoday

Mobility

40

Under 1 hour

41

Getting around

50,000+ 6,400+ 100+

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)

27

Professionally managed parking spaces in Uptown and South End. Charlotte Center City Partners

Free park and ride spaces along the light rail.

Charlotte Center City Partners

Electric vehicle charging stations in Center City.

U.S. Department of Energy

Light rail and streetcar stops serving Center City.

16

Express bus routes.

23

Local bus routes.

CATS

CATS

Photo by Adam Schultz

On the horizon in Center City New South End Light Rail Stop A new station for the Blue Line will be located between the New Bern and East/West Boulevard stations. The City approved a $1.9-million contract to plan and design the new station. The new stop will fill a critical gap and provide needed pedestrian connectivity in the neighborhood.

Rail Trail Pedestrian Bridge This critical piece of infrastructure will fill a gap in the South End and Uptown Rail Trail, seamlessly connecting from the Brooklyn Village Station area of Uptown, across I-277 to the Carson Street Station area of South End. The bridge is scheduled to open in 2028.

Silver Line The Silver Line is a proposed 29-mile, 29-station light rail project from the City of Belmont in Gaston County, through Center City and the town of Matthews, and into Union County.

Charlotte Gateway Station This signature multimodal station will consolidate public transit and intercity transportation modes in Uptown. The station will anchor the larger Gateway District development, which will be a mixed-use development of retail, residential, commercial, and dining spaces. Phase 1 of the project, a $86.4 million Amtrak station with tracks, platforms, and signals was completed in 2022. Amtrak’s three intercity routes connect Charlotte to New Orleans, Atlanta, Raleigh, Washington D.C., and New York City. Currently, passengers board just north of Uptown, but when Gateway Station is complete in the next few years trains will be delivering passengers into Uptown.

Passenger and High-Speed Rail Charlotte’s passenger rail plans with the Red Line between Uptown and Iredell County advanced with the City of Charlotte’s purchase of the commuter rail tracks and land from Norfolk Southern Corp. in September 2024 for $91 million. Federal funding was allocated for high-speed rail corridor development in the Southeast involving North Carolina, including Charlotte to Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

Mobility

Bottom City of Charlotte is transitioning its more than 300 buses to all-electric buses.

42

Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte

CATS

Top The Gold Line offers 17 stops and connects the Historic West End and Elizabeth neighborhoods.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)

The first phase of Charlotte Gateway Station is complete to support Charlotte’s passenger rail plans.

Future Rail Trail Pedestrian Bridge over I-277 connecting Uptown and South End.

43

2025 State of the Center City

Outdoor insights* Within Center City

35+

Parks, greenways and trails

17,000+ Square feet of climbing at Inner Peaks 30+

Fitness centers in Center City

30 minutes or less from Center City

Outdoors Charlotte is an urban playground where outdoor adventure and neighborhoods blend seamlessly.

44

Greenways The 70+ miles of developed greenway trails in Mecklenburg County is one of the most unique outdoor experiences in Charlotte.

The 26-mile Cross Charlotte Trail runs from the South Carolina-North Carolina state line through Center City past NoDa’s Cordelia Park. The next phases of the Cross Charlotte Trail will extend and connect the greenway north of Center City near the Cabarrus County line. Along the route, there are numerous parks, wetlands, educational opportunities, and community gathering spots. There is also an abundance of singletrack bypass areas, bike parks, and the BYT (Backyard Trails), for mountain biking or trail running.

Photo by Marcello Aquino

Wilmore Centennial Park This recently opened 1.4-acre park in South End features a large open lawn area facing Uptown, areas for art displays, sitting areas, and variety of outdoor spaces for gathering and leisure activities. In 2024, Movies in the Park attracted families from the neighborhood and Charlotte region for free children’s activities and music.

McColl Park This will be a new park situated at the bustling intersection of Trade and Tryon in Uptown.

With a central location and thoughtful design, McColl Park will be a vibrant, beautiful, and functional gathering place for residents and visitors alike, offering a space to celebrate history, inspire the future, and honor Hugh McColl, the visionary who has played a significant role in shaping Charlotte.

1

World’s largest man-made whitewater river at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

8

Best roller coaster - Fury 325 at Carowinds

#

#

45 minutes or less from Center City

1

#

Lake Norman is the largest lake in North Carolina Photo by Bryan Miller

1,620'

Crowder Mountain State Park is over 1,620 feet above sea level

*Charlotte Center City Partners; Condé Nast; USA Today, 2024

Opposite Left McColl Park in Uptown will open in the summer of 2025.

Opposite Right As part of Charlotte SHOUT!, Daybreaker, took over First Ward Park with yoga and a dance party with artists, aerialists, fire spinners, and breakdance artists.

Above Inner Peaks South End has sculpted surfaces by Walltopia reaching 40 feet high.

Outdoors

Abundant outdoor access due to the city’s growing greenway system and top-tier outdoor assets helped land the city at #2 on the Clever Real Estate 2024 Most Desirable Cities to Live.

Rendering courtesy of Hood Design Studio

45

2025 State of the Center City

Experience

Section sponsored by

The unmatched assets in Center City offers dynamic experiences, which draws visitors, talent, and investment.

The mosaic of cultures, people, and places creates experiences in Uptown and South End that generate emotional connectivity, spark transformation, and unlock opportunities in the unfolding experience economy.

Uptown is the only place in the Charlotte region that has sporting events, cultural entertainment, festivals, large events, and city skyline energy in one walkable destination and urban neighborhood. Visitors, residents, and a workforce from near and far feel the magnetism and hustle of Charlotte’s center of commerce humming by day and the passion for favorite sports teams and cultural performances at night.

46

Left Charlotte SHOUT!, the region’s premier arts and culture festival, features more than 300 installations, performances, events, and activations over 17 days in Center City.

Right Blume Studios, located in the Iron District, is a nationally acclaimed destination with major immersive experiences from around the world and locally created multi-media events and shows.

Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts

Experience

Photo by Grant Baldwin Photography

South End is a neighborhood where retro mixes with contemporary, historical bumps up against trendy, and art intersects commerce.

The vibrant, walkable neighborhood along the Blue Line on the edge of Uptown is lined with culinary experiences showcasing local and worldly flavors, homegrown breweries and coffee shops, and art galleries and murals on every corner. The diverse retail experiences from local boutiques to top national retailers are coupled with a mix of the Charlotte region’s employers.

47

The heart of the region brings together diverse businesses, arts and culture, sports, dining, music and entertainment, education and urban living to experience life in Charlotte at its fullest.

By the numbers* Photo by Marcello Aquino

34 150+

190+

New businesses opened in 2024

Locally owned shops and restaurants

27

Spots for wine, brews, cocktails, and bites

Nine years ago, our restaurant journey began in Uptown with the opening of Sea Level NC on 5th Street. Since then, we've expanded with five additional locations across the greater Charlotte area. Now, we're thrilled to return to the heart of the city for our seventh restaurant. We believe that a location at the iconic intersection of Trade and Tryon is the perfect way to showcase our Ace No. 3 brand."

Photo courtesy of Mint Museum

Uptown’s energy is undeniable with its fans, friends, families and colleagues, coming together to share passions or discover hidden neighborhoods, lush green spaces, and inspiring art in museums and public spaces.

Paul M anley P a r t n e r, H i g h T i d e H o s p i t a l i t y G r o u p

Arts and cultural attractions including museums, event venues, galleries, theaters, and dance

*Charlotte Center City Partners

Opposite Top The Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American and contemporary art.

Opposite Bottom Middle C Jazz, voted “Best Live Music Venue,” featuring local, regional and national artists.

48

Photo by Grant Baldwin Photography

Experience

Scan for more information about experiences in Uptown.

Photo courtesy of Middle C Jazz

Bottom During the 17 days of 2024 Charlotte SHOUT!, the arts and culture festival generated 1.4 million visits into Uptown and $17.1M in direct spend.

Opposite Left The Charlotte Ballet is one of more than a dozen arts and cultural attractions that makes up Carolina’s most celebrated arts and cultural district.

Photo by Jeff Cravotta

Top One of Uptown’s newest and best cocktail and wine lounges, Dahlia’s, has live music and small plates.

49

There are 330+ days and nights of live sporting events in Charlotte Center City each year.

Center City sports venues

Photo courtesy of Carolina Ascent

Bank of America Stadium

74,867 seats Home of the

Carolina Panthers (National Football League) Charlotte FC (Major League Soccer)

Photo courtesy of Tepper Sports & Entertainment

— Photo courtesy of Charlotte Sports Foundation

Spectrum Center

20,200 seats Home of the

Charlotte Hornets (National Basketball Association) — American Legion Memorial Stadium

10,500 seats Home of the

Carolina Ascent FC (USL Super League) Charlotte Independence (United Soccer League) — Photo courtesy of Charlotte Knights

Photo courtesy of Tepper Sports & Entertainment

Truist Field

50

Bottom Left Truist Field is home to the Charlotte Knights, and is one of America’s best minor league ballparks.

Top Right Carolina Panthers hosting the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium.

Bottom Right Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahilna, the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, celebrating 3 points against the Portland Timbers at Bank of America Stadium.

Opposite Top USL Super League Carolina Ascent FC sold out its inaugural home opener at American Legion Memorial Stadium, setting the pro women's soccer club singlegame attendance record in the Carolinas.

Opposite Bottom Charlotte Hornets hosting the Boston Celtics at the Spectrum Center.

10,200 seats Home of the

Charlotte Knights

(AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox)

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Hornets / Kent Smith

Experience

Top Left The Spectrum Center hosted four of the top tennis players in the world for the Charlotte Invitational.

51

The richness of experiences in this dense neighborhood happen in retail shops, restaurants and bars, night spots, breweries and coffee shops, fitness classes, artisan galleries, and on the Rail Trail.

South End’s vibe is defined by its people-first adaptive reuse of industrial properties filled with local and national retail coupled with new housing and top-tier office.

Photo by Paul Lange

By the numbers*

25

New businesses opened in 2024

100+

Locally owned shops and restaurants

10

Craft breweries

60+

Places to eat or drink outside

30+

Shops for clothes and fashion

Photo by Cody Hughes

*Charlotte Center City Partners

Photo by David Powell

Scan for more information about experiences in South End.

Above Not Just Coffee in Atherton Mill is a locally owned coffee shop.

Left Glory Days Apparel is one of South End’s locally owned shops.

Photo courtesy of Glory Days Apparel

52

Above Flower Child’s patio on Camden Road is one of the many places to eat and drink outdoors.

Bottom Right Evelyn Henson’s Confetti Hearts Wall is one of the many pieces of public art in South End.

Photo by Collin Mairena

Experience

Top Right Dram & Draught at Vantage South End offers an extensive whiskey portfolio and provides a neighborhood bar experience.

53

IREDELL COUNTY

ROWAN COUNTY

Current Amtrak Future High Speed Rail to Raleigh / D.C.

321

LINCOLN COUNTY

Lincolnton

1 Davidson

Lake Norman

3

Kannapolis

Cornelius 85 77

CABARRUS COUNTY

Huntersville

2 hour drive to Asheville / NC Mountains

Concord

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Mount Holly

3

485

Mountain Island Lake

5

1

2

601

4

2 1

GASTON COUNTY

Current Amtrak Future High Speed Rail to Atlanta

Gastonia

85

3

85

1

8 321

Belmont

Photo by Paul Lange

Shopping / Entertainment

CHARLOTTE STANLY COUNTY

277

485 Catawba River

8

485

6

6

2

Harrisburg

Charlotte - Douglas International Airport

6

77

7 3

Mint Hill

5

North Carolina

1

South Carolina

2

Matthews

2

601

3

SouthPark Mall

1

Schiele Museum of Natural History

1

Davidson College

1

Charlotte Motor Speedway

2

Northlake Mall

2

President Polk Site

2

UNC Charlotte

2

Crowders Mountain State Park

3

Concord Mills Mall

3

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

3

NC Research Campus

3

U.S. National Whitewater Center

4

Carolina Place Mall

4

PNC Music Pavilion

4

Wingate University

4

Matthews Sportsplex

5

Charlotte Premium Outlets

5

Carolina Raptor Center

5

Winthrop University

5

Quail Hollow Club

6

Camp North End

6

Bojangles Entertainment Complex

6

Johnson C. Smith University

6

Rock Hill Velodrome

7

Carowinds

7

Queens University

8

Reed Gold Mine

8

Johnson & Wales University

Office Submarkets

4

UNION COUNTY

Indian Trail

1

University City

2

SouthPark

3

Ballantyne

Fort Mill

YORK COUNTY

77

Weddington

321

Monroe 5

Rock Hill

Above View of South End along Camden Road.

4

6 3 hours to NC Coast

Sports / Outdoor Activity

1

4

485

Pineville

Lake Wylie

Higher Education

Charlotte

Blue Line light rail

Planned Silver Line light rail

Uptown / South End

Gold Line streetcar

Planned Red Line commuter rail

The Charlotte Region

The Charlotte Region

5

7

Attractions

55

Board of Directors CHAIR Bill Rogers Truist Financial Corporation TREASURER Diane Morais Consultant Steve Bagwell Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Cathy Bessant Foundation For The Carolinas Steve Boland Bank of America Kristi Coleman Carolina Panthers Malcomb Coley EY Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer Central Piedmont Community College Darryl Dewberry Spectrum Cos. Dena Diorio Mecklenburg County Tracy Dodson City of Charlotte Frank Emory Novant Helath Rob Engel Wells Fargo

Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR

Tom Finke Adara Acquisition Corp.

David Longo CBI Workplace Solutions

Dr. Sharon Gaber Charlotte

Dan Lugo Queens University of Charlotte

cbi-nc.com

Malcolm Graham City of Charlotte

Dr. Rick Mathieu Johnson & Wales University

SECTION SPONSORS

Gau Gupte Perkins + Will

Tom Mitchell Moore & Van Allen

mvalaw.com

Ken Haynes Atrium Health

Brian Natwick Crescent Communities

Dr. Crystal Hill Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Pat Rodgers Rodgers Builders

Russ Hutchinson Ally Financial

Neelima Sharma Lowe’s

Mark Jerrell Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners

John Shimp Ridgemont Equity Partners

Marcus Jones City of Charlotte Sam Judd Asana Partners Dr. Valerie Kinloch Johnson C. Smith University

littleonline.com

mintmuseum.org

Andrea Smith Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Anna Spangler Nelson Spangler Foundation Sasha Weintraub Duke Energy

Tom Lawrence The Leon Levine Foundation Tiffani Lewis Entrepreneur

Prepared by

Credits D E S I G N / L AY O U T Mitchell Phillips Design mitchellphillipsdesign.com DE VELOPMENT CYCLES GR APHIC Clayton Sealey / CLT Development clt-dev.com COVER PHOTO Patrick Schneider Photography patrickschneiderphoto.com

The 2025 State of the Center City was prepared by Tori Belle-Miller, James LaBar, Justin McCoy, and Klint Mullis with their Charlotte Center City Partners colleagues. Published in January 2025.

For questions, please contact James LaBar at jlabar@charlottecentercity.org

Back cover photos: The Carolina Theater will open in March 2025; Rail Trail Lights in South End; Discovery Place in Uptown; Center City Ambassadors at Trade and Tryon intersection; Charlotte SHOUT! Queen's Greens Putt Putt; Levine Museum’s walking tour of historic Brooklyn Village; Charlotte Skyline, 2024

56

&

Rendering courtesy of Carolina Theater

Photo by Isaiah Nelson

Photo courtesy of Levine Museum of the New South

Innovation meets Momentum Photo by Marcello Aquino

Photo courtesy of Discovery Place

Photo by Marcello Aquino

200 South Tryon Street, Suite 1600 Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 charlottecentercity.org

Photo by Patrick Schneider