North Carolina State Wide Development

[rancenc]

Here is a list from NC Business Magazine of several announced economic projects throughout the state.

http://businessnc.com/top-20-economic-development-projects-2017/

[Trent Y]

Wow this is excellent for the wholr state.

Really interested in Citrix and what they're plan is for adding those 400 jobs? Maybe they plan on building another facility or perhaps they are going to anchor one of the other proposed projects in that general area of downtown.

[KJHburg]

4 hours ago, Trent Y said:

Wow this is excellent for the wholr state.

Really interested in Citrix and what they're plan is for adding those 400 jobs? Maybe they plan on building another facility or perhaps they are going to anchor one of the other proposed projects in that general area of downtown.

I think they could be the mysterious 1/3 of the tower tenant in One Glenwood. 

[Trent Y]

5 hours ago, KJHburg said:

I think they could be the mysterious 1/3 of the tower tenant in One Glenwood. 

Oh ok yeah that would make sense.

[NcSc74]

For a good read check out the link.  It shows just how neglected NC transportation planning had been in the past.  This mostly geared toward ports and rail but can be tied to economic development.  After reading this I had to pick my jaw up off the floor.  It will make you think what in the heck were our politicians thinking.  It always seems the state is decades behind when it comes to infrastructure.  Had NC been proactive and attacked geographical problems with a comprehensive plan along with other southern states then there would not be a mad scramble to play catch up.  As I said many times before in forums; yes NC ports are not in the best locations but they are not in impossible locations.  Or better yet, had there been better decisions made way back when about the locations then maybe the situation wouldn't be so dire.  At any rate I hope that investment in infrastructure will be a priority.  Although I feel that it is a pipe dream wit all the in-fighting and back and forth in the GA.  And while that is happening GA, SC and VA all improve their already competitive infrastructure to take our exports.  Sad.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Statewide-Freight-Plan/Documents/Maritime_Profile_Draft.pdf

[Popsickle]

8 hours ago, NcSc74 said:

For a good read check out the link.  It shows just how neglected NC transportation planning had been in the past.  This mostly geared toward ports and rail but can be tied to economic development.  After reading this I had to pick my jaw up off the floor.  It will make you think what in the heck were our politicians thinking.  It always seems the state is decades behind when it comes to infrastructure.  Had NC been proactive and attacked geographical problems with a comprehensive plan along with other southern states then there would not be a mad scramble to play catch up.  As I said many times before in forums; yes NC ports are not in the best locations but they are not in impossible locations.  Or better yet, had there been better decisions made way back when about the locations then maybe the situation wouldn't be so dire.  At any rate I hope that investment in infrastructure will be a priority.  Although I feel that it is a pipe dream wit all the in-fighting and back and forth in the GA.  And while that is happening GA, SC and VA all improve their already competitive infrastructure to take our exports.  Sad.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Statewide-Freight-Plan/Documents/Maritime_Profile_Draft.pdf

As far as the port locations, where would you have recommended there location with hindsight? Just curious, I'm not very educated on the ports besides the Southport proposal that never emerged. Thanks!

[KJHburg]

NC has 2 ports Morehead City which is basically a bulk port ie wood chips, phosphates etc. Wilmington is the only container port in the state. The problem for years sea borne freight made its way to Norfolk Charleston or Savannah. In fact the state largest city Charlotte just got and I mean just a few weeks ago a direct link to Wilmington by train. Most Charlotte freight would go to Charleston or even Savannah. The Triangle area freight many times made its way t o Norfolk. NC is the LARGEST manufacturing state in the southeast and our ports are woefully behind. However that is starting to change. Charleston is increasing congestion. This is why NC has no auto manufacturers like SC or GA and we should. It is our weakness in ports. However they have done some very recent improvements in Wilmington larger cranes, new rail overnight service to Charlotte, deepening the channel for larger ships. Last year the the largest ship to ever call on Wilmington docked there. So we are improving  but we have a lot of catch up to do. Georgia has done an incredible job with Savannah. Huge intermodal train yard, lots of 4 lanes highways to the port, encouraging large big box distribution centers. Little Brunswick GA is the top 2 or 3 auto import or export port in the country!  We now have more 4 lane highways to Wilmington via I-40 and US 74. However this effort has to be from the state to make the logistics work. One thing Wilmington has it is that is NOT congested like Charleston! And time is money in logistics. 

See Port News under Wilmington for more news

 

[kermit]

^ Only one railroad serves the ports of Wilmington (CSX) and Morehead City (NS on the NCRR).  No major shipper wants to be held captive by a single rail shipper when they can go to Hampton Rhodes, Charleston or Savannah and play both SE railroads against each other for decent rates.

[Scribe]

Slightly different take on statewide development...

In 2011 NC celebrated the opening of 100th Winery in the state ( https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2011/01/28/nc-gains-100th-winery.html )

Fast forward to 2017 we have 186 - ( https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2017/09/29/newest-n-c-winery-is-on-the-map-in-charlotte.html )

Quote

186

wineries from the mountains to the coast

525

vineyards encompassing 

2,300 acres

19

wineries within 50 miles of Charlotte

$1.97 billion

economic impact of wine and grape industry

10,000

jobs supported by the wine industry

 

[kermit]

News is trickling out that CSX has cancelled their new intermodal hub near Rocky Mount.

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/11/02-csx-intermodal-cuts#.WfsudMuybAM.twitter

Edited November 2, 2017 by kermit

[cityboi]

Two mixed-use parking decks in the works for downtown Greensboro.  Both will have ground level retail and restaurants. The Westin Greensboro is scheduled to open in 2019.  An 11 story hotel will be built atop a 6 story deck that will cross over a street and stretch a block. 

The other deck will be an 8 story deck to be built across the street from the ballpark. Developer Roy Carroll plans to build a 15 to 20 tower on top of the deck and it will include an Aloft hotel. Starwoods website says the Aloft will open in 2020. The tower will include residential and rumors are that a life insurance company will occupy office space.  The developers will build the decks which will be city decks. The city will reimburse the developers. The decks will be paid for through a hike in downtown parking fees.  There is a small group opposed to these projects due to the nature of the private/public partnership and the Westin deck could get tied up in a legal battle over an easement owned by an adjoining business. City council is expected to vote on the decks next tuesday. 

 

The Westin Greensboro / parking deck. 

 

 

8 story parking deck

The tower on top will likely be a striking contemporary skyscraper which fits with the design of urban Aloft hotels.   Looks like the sides of the deck are angled. The glass face desguises the fact that it is a deck. 

Another rendering of thr Westin Greensboro. 

Across the street from the 8 story glass deck and future tower will be a 9 story office tower embedded within the ballpark. 

Edited December 13, 2017 by cityboi

[cityboi]

another rendering of the Westin Greensboro

[Merthecat]

Chinese tiremaker to build a major plant in Edgecomb County

As announced today, Triangle Tire will build a tire plant between Rocky Mount and Tarboro.  The plant will be a $580m investment, and eventually will employ 800 and produce 6 million tires each year.

Great news for Eastern NC!

[cityboi]

Rendering of the Aloft Greensboro / mixed use office tower. The tower will sit atop an 8 story parking deck. When you count the structural spire, the tower is about 35 stories tall. However the floor count is not confirmed and there could be more floors. This is clearly looking like Project 561. Starwood hotels website lists the Aloft opening in 2020. 

Edited February 12, 2018 by cityboi

[15895]

Ew. Opening in “2020.” 

The year “2020” sounds so futuristic... scary to think how time goes by!

[cityboi]

Final renderings of the Westin Greensboro downtown /city deck with street level retail.

Rear of hotel facing Davie Street. The site has already been demolished for the hotel and deck.

Official website 

www.westingreensboro.com 

 

Front elevation from Elm Street. The lower section in the front is the current Elm Street Center which has space for meetings.

Edited May 20, 2018 by cityboi

[cityboi]

More downtown Greensboro development.

 

Proposed Aloft Hotel / office/ residential tower in downtown Greensboro. The tower will overlook the ballpark and sit atop an 8 story parking deck 

Proposed Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Greensboro.

Hyatt Place Greensboro Downtown - currently under construction. 

 

Future Project Slugger office building overlooking Greensboro's ballpark 

 

Upscale apartments going up overlooking the ballpark. 

Construction underway on the 3,000 seat Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.

 

 

The developer of the Westin Greensboro just purchased the News and Record site which is an entire city block. Located across the street from the future Westin Hotel, there is some speculation it could be a large mixed-use development with a convention center as an anchor. The city already has a large convention center off of I-40. But city leaders say a downtown facility would not compete head on with the Koury Convention Center.

 

The location is fitting with the Amtrak/bus station directly south of the property. It is also centrally located being within close walking distance to restaurants, entertainment venues, parks and cultural attractions. More than likely if a convention center is built it would be half the size of the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro which is about the size of the Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem. A smaller convention facility would not compete head on with the Koury which hosts the larger conventions.

http://www.greensboro.com/news/local_news/n-r-building-is-sold-begging-a-question-what-will/article_dcfc5e5e-8dc6-5505-81da-da6929d647f7.amp.html

Edited May 19, 2018 by cityboi

[rancenc]

Nice redevelopment in downtown Boone!

https://www.wataugademocrat.com/main_street/horton-hotel-hopes-for-september-opening/article_235ea5d7-ce5d-59b0-9252-3db8b370e048.html

[rancenc]

Not sure if this was posted, but German company announces operations in Catawba County

https://www.nccommerce.com/news/press-releases/german-manufacturer-open-first-north-american-facility-catawba-county

[rancenc]

Construction projects on ASU's campus!!

https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/appalachian-developer-rise-finalize-paperwork-for-major-housing-project/article_b6a919f6-a457-50f5-823d-4348d3d36b6b.html

[cityboi]

Construction update in downtown Greensboro. Greensboro is becoming a real city. "Greensboring" is no more. In addition to all of the development, downtown Greensboro hosts major events such as the Carolina Blues Festival, the North Carolina Folk Festival which was spawned by the three year stint when the National Folk Festival was in downtown Greensboro.

Hyatt Place Hotel/Carroll at Bellemeade Apartments.

The Hyatt Place and Bellemeade Apartments across from the ballpark are looking good. The hotel is now open and one of the apartment buildings is complete 

 

 

Hampton Inn and Suites downtown Greensboro

 

3,000 seat Steven Tanger Center for the Performing arts in downtown Greensboro

Broadway is coming to downtown Greensboro! The center will also host the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, ballet, family shows, comedy shows, concerts (local and famous music artists) and other traveling performing arts events.

"Wicked" will be the first Broadway show.

Across the street from the future performing arts center is LeBauer Park 

 

Center City Park is also across the street from LeBauer Park 

Project Slugger

Construction on the Project Slugger office building will begin within the next couple of months. It will be located across the street from the new Hyatt Place 

 

 

The Westin Greensboro Downtown

Construction is slated to begin around May or June. Land has already been cleared for the hotel which will sit atop a new city parking deck. The deck will have street level retail. The developer had hoped to have it complete in time for the 2020 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro, the 2020 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament and 2020 NCAA mens basketball tournament games at the coliseum.

 

 

Other downtown Greensboro projects

Mixed-use project at Union Square

A developer will be building a 120,000 square foot mixed-use office building with ground floor retail and parking beneath the building. A courtyard will separate the building from 6 story apartments. In addition 40 row homes will be built in the development. The project will be a part of the Union Square downtown university campus which is already open. Cone Health, UNC Greensboro, NC A&T State University and Guilford Technical Community College all collaborate in the campus. A second campus building will be built along with a hotel.

Across the street from this future development, another developer is renovating the old Wrangler jeans factory. New York based Centric Brands is eyeing the building and may bring 200 high paying "creative class" jobs to Greensboro. Salaries will be north of $50,000 a year and they would be management and design jobs. Developer Andy Zimmerman also plan to put a market in.the building.

- construction on the next leg of Greensboro's downtown Greenway has begun. The 4 mile Greenway will loop around downtown. The downtown Greenway will also connect with the citywide greenways including the one through midtown.

Open legs of the Greenway

Apartments overlooking the Greenway 

 

 

Other downtown Greensboro proposals

- a developer is planning a downtown bowling alley and lounge on South Elm Street 

 

Developer Roy Carroll is planning a mixed-use development diagonally across the street from his Hyatt Place/Carroll at Bellemeade Apartments. He calls it Carroll at Bellemeade South. It will wrap around a city parking deck and include residential, office, retail and an Aloft Hotel. Carroll mentioned he is considering building a downtown convention center so  it would likely be built in the development if he builds it. Other developers have also mentioned building a downtown convention center on the News and Record property across the street from the future Westin Hotel. The News and Record property is being eyed for a major mixed-use development which could include office, residential, a hotel and a convention center if Roy Carroll does not build one at Carroll at Bellemeade South.

Developer Marty Kotis is planning  a downtown Greensboro grocery store with either apartments or office above it in his mixed-use entertainment complex called the Tracks Bazaar . It would be the second downtown grocery store.

The Tracks Bazaar has a public place for concerts, public art, area for food trucks and a whiskey bar called Dram and Draught which opened in an old gas station. Kotis plans to renovate another building and turn it into a speakeasy lounge.

Another downtown Greensboro mixed-use development planned Marty Kotis near Center-City Park 

 

Little bit of downtown nightlife

 

Downtown Greensboro now has a bar trolley 

Boxcar Barcade in downtown Greensboro located near Tracks Bazaar entertainment complex.

Fat Tuesday frozen daiquiri bar in downtown Greensboro . North Carolina's only location. Located a few steps from Boxcar Barcade and the planned bowling alley lounge. They are typically built in tourist destination cities like Myrtle Beach.

Greene Street Nightclub 

Cone Denim Entertainment Center (House of Blues venue)

 

 

other city wide development in Greensboro

Carvana is currently  building an 8 story vehicle vending machine overlooking I-40.

 

Speaking of interstates, Greensboro's beltway is mostly complete with exception to a northern portion. I-840 has already been asigned to the loop on the west side of town and I-785 on the east. Once the north portion is complete the entire half of the loop will have the I-840 assignment. The northeast will be I-840/I-785. The south is I-85 and the southwest I-73, the west I-840/I-73.

 

Edited March 23, 2019 by cityboi

[cityboi]

 

Downtown Greensboro 

According to the News and Record, Carroll plans a 20 story office tower, with a 9 or 10 story Aloft Hotel. It will include residential, street level retail and possibly a grocery store. A large conference center will also be included. Carroll said construction will begin  in 2020. The project is being built by developer Roy Carroll and will be called "Carroll South of the Ballpark". The development will sit diagonally across the street from his other development that just opened "Carroll at Bellemeade/Hyatt Place" . Meanwhile an office development being built by another developer across the street overlooking the ballpark called "Project Slugger" has gone back to being 9 stories tall due to an increase of office demand.

The slope of the roof of Carroll's 20- story office tower will compliment the slope on the roof of Project Slugger.

 I'd love to see an urban Target store as part of the retail. Target has been opening small format stores near colleges and downtown locations. There is one in downtown Chapel Hill.

 https://www.greensboro.com/business/million-hotel-office-retail-project-will-be-game-changer-for/article_5ff4b95d-bba1-513b-a37a-de8fdb9971fa.html

 

Project Slugger 

 

On the other side of downtown another highrise will soon be under construction. The Westin Greensboro 

 

Edited May 5, 2019 by cityboi

[Merthecat]

A new mixed-use project is now under construction in downtown Boone.  It will include a 4-story mixed-use building with 64 units and 4,262 ft^2 of office space, as well as a parking lot (behind the building) and townhomes on the hill above.  Here's an article from 2016 detailing the project:  https://www.hcpress.com/front-page/mixed-use-development-proposed-king-street.html

I drove through Boone two weeks ago, and snapped a few pictures of the construction site:

[rancenc]

Record statewide tourism spending in 2018.

https://www.nccommerce.com/news/press-releases/visitor-spending-north-carolina-grows-near-record-pace

[rancenc]

New operations for a Austrian based company in Alexander County

https://alexanderedc.org/grand-opening-ribbon-cutting-held-at-new-borealis-compounds-plant-in-alexander-county/