University City Projects/News

[NCMike1990]

New video from NCDOT on the proposed widening of Hwy 49.

 

[AuLukey]

New video from NCDOT on the proposed widening of Hwy 49.
 

Wanna know a great way to make what should be a pedestrian-friendly area that already has poor walkability even worse? Widen it and make gigantic u-turn lanes.

R.I.P. UCBlvd’s potential to become a more urban street.

[southslider]

When a "super-street" design fails to make a complete street, just rebrand it as "reduced conflict intersection."

Transportation engineers used to think that center two-way left-turn lanes were the answer, and so that design was built everywhere. Now, medians and U-turns are their answer to moving more cars at all costs.

[SgtCampsalot]

Ugh so many cooks in the kitchen making these decisions.

So upon watching the video, I am hesitantly supportive of this for the sole reason that they say they are adding multi-use trail paths on both sides of the road, and including signalized pedestrian cross walks at multiple spots. This was my biggest problem with UC Blvd when I lived across from campus years ago.

Granted, they're still ignorantly and naively inducing demand for cars with this, when they could be intentionally fostering a small-college-town environment, but perhaps this can be narrowed in one more generation, and we're getting ped/bike facilities in the meantime (I believe multi-use paths are a great solution on certain thoroughfares and wish they'd be used more ... Monroe Rd, N Trying St...). I don't have faith in NCDOTs long term vision, any way; Although it's the CRTPO that requested this, which is telling.

 

Edited April 24, 2019 by SgtCampsalot

[tozmervo]

The video frustratingly tries to upsell  pedestrian benefits, while their Hickory Grove example clearly has no pedestrians. 

When I took the survey a while back, I also asked about accommodating CATS bus service through this area. There are a lot of goat paths and worn out grass at bus stops along there. These kind of projects really need to identify safe and sensible locations for local bus service.

[KJHburg]

New apartments are also booming around the LYNX stations in the university area. 

1. new 5 story apartment on the site of 2 demolished single story office buildings at McCullough station.

2. New Oxford Properties apartments across from the University City Blvd station. 

photos yesterday. 

[southslider]

On 4/24/2019 at 7:05 AM, SgtCampsalot said:

So upon watching the video, I am hesitantly supportive of this for the sole reason that they say they are adding multi-use trail paths on both sides of the road, and including signalized pedestrian cross walks at multiple spots. This was my biggest problem with UC Blvd when I lived across from campus years ago.

To use the signalized crossing, one will need to push not one, but two, beg buttons. Reach crosswalk, push button, wait on light to change, cross to middle, then start process all over again.

[KJHburg]

University City area apartments along the LYNX.

1.2. new apartments by ATAPCO on the site of a single story office bldgs by McCullough station

3. 4. New Oxford Properties apartments on land across from University City station.

5. Blu apartments really look good.

6. Flowers along the LYNX

 

[KJHburg]

Round up of the new residential projects in the University area including all the apartments along the LYNX line.

https://universitycitypartners.org/under-way-apartments-and-townhomes/

[CLTranspo]

Exciting news for ongoing development in U city along the light rail. Developer to tear down some of the big box retail along the lake at JW Clay and replace with office, apartments, possible new library. Link to business journal article (paywalled)

[KJHburg]

the office building proposed looks great from the above referenced article also from the Biz Journal story:

""EB Arrow, which acquired University Place One and Two last year for about $18.2 million, is planning a five-story, 182,000-square-foot building with office, civic and ground-floor retail space; Novel University Place, a 308-unit garden-style multifamily property to be developed by Crescent Communities; a 2.5-acre lakefront linear park with a children’s play area; and renovations to much of the pedestrian trail around the lake at University Place.  That first phase of development is contingent upon approval of a rezoning petition, the hearing of which is planned for Monday. Later phases at the project could include medium-density residential, additional office space or a hotel, EB Arrow says. Construction on phase one would take about 18 to 24 months, according to a spokesman for the developer. An investment amount was not disclosed.  If approved, EB Arrow expects to begin demolition of existing buildings at the center by the first quarter of 2020. Existing retailers Michaels, Office Depot and Ross Dress for Less will likely relocate to another nearby retail center on the opposite side of J.W. Clay Boulevard, also owned by EB Arrow, where Guitar Center now operates. University Place was 44% leased at the time of sale.""

this is great news for the University area and with the new Marriott hotel across the street the UNCC Foundation is building this area is going to change for the better. 

Here you go with the office building rendering.

http://eba.propertycapsule.com/properties/watersedge/

Edited June 12, 2019 by KJHburg

[Niner National]

Looks great. For once a developer exceeds my expectations. I was expecting something very half assed for this redevelopment and it sounds like it is going to really revitalize that shopping center. Hopefully later phases will continue to build on it. University City really needs this project to not be a let down.

[Skyybutter]

On 4/23/2019 at 5:54 PM, NCMike1990 said:

New video from NCDOT on the proposed widening of Hwy 49.

 

This is actually much needed. From the Cabarrus/Meck line all the way to N.Tryon is a nightmare during rush hour. And 24/7 for pedestrians.  

  From 485 to UNCC, there are too many stop lights. Ditch the left turn to Back Creek Church Rd for starters. That way outbound 49 traffic has more green. 

  Maybe Pavilion BLVD should keep lights, and just get rid of Back Creek altogether. Run it into Pavilion somehow. Its a mess for sure.

[nakers2]

21 hours ago, KJHburg said:

the office building proposed looks great from the above referenced article also from the Biz Journal story:

""EB Arrow, which acquired University Place One and Two last year for about $18.2 million, is planning a five-story, 182,000-square-foot building with office, civic and ground-floor retail space; Novel University Place, a 308-unit garden-style multifamily property to be developed by Crescent Communities; a 2.5-acre lakefront linear park with a children’s play area; and renovations to much of the pedestrian trail around the lake at University Place.  That first phase of development is contingent upon approval of a rezoning petition, the hearing of which is planned for Monday. Later phases at the project could include medium-density residential, additional office space or a hotel, EB Arrow says. Construction on phase one would take about 18 to 24 months, according to a spokesman for the developer. An investment amount was not disclosed.  If approved, EB Arrow expects to begin demolition of existing buildings at the center by the first quarter of 2020. Existing retailers Michaels, Office Depot and Ross Dress for Less will likely relocate to another nearby retail center on the opposite side of J.W. Clay Boulevard, also owned by EB Arrow, where Guitar Center now operates. University Place was 44% leased at the time of sale.""

this is great news for the University area and with the new Marriott hotel across the street the UNCC Foundation is building this area is going to change for the better. 

Here you go with the office building rendering.

http://eba.propertycapsule.com/properties/watersedge/

Great, now things heat up once I move away. It's whatever, my brother will be at UNCC till at least 2021, so I'll have reasons to go up there still. 

[AuLukey]

This is actually much needed. From the Cabarrus/Meck line all the way to N.Tryon is a nightmare during rush hour. And 24/7 for pedestrians.  
  From 485 to UNCC, there are too many stop lights. Ditch the left turn to Back Creek Church Rd for starters. That way outbound 49 traffic has more green. 
  Maybe Pavilion BLVD should keep lights, and just get rid of Back Creek altogether. Run it into Pavilion somehow. Its a mess for sure.

No. Just no. Take it from a guy who drives in/around a reduced conflict intersection almost daily. While they are pretty good at moving traffic, they are about as far from pedestrian friendly as you can get. Which, I’m sorry, should be a top priority for University City. Make an alternate route to get to Harrisburg south of 49. Do not destroy the area’s ability to grow organically. Also, RCI’s have about as much pavement as a Walmart parking lot.

Also, I’m happy to see the lake getting proper development; I just wish they could’ve shown the multiphase master plan. Or at least I hope that isn’t it.

[King of the Queen City]

[allthingsplanes]

Does anyone know the latest on the new TopGolf location?  I haven't seen any construction beginning on that yet...

[TheOneRJ]

1 hour ago, allthingsplanes said:

Does anyone know the latest on the new TopGolf location?  I haven't seen any construction beginning on that yet...

They were approved for 30-ft signage and additional lighting in April so I’m assuming it’s still happening. TopGolf is also opening one of their Swing Suites in Uptown. 

[Skyybutter]

On 6/16/2019 at 10:05 AM, AuLukey said:

 

No. Just no. Take it from a guy who drives in/around a reduced conflict intersection almost daily. While they are pretty good at moving traffic, they are about as far from pedestrian friendly as you can get. Which, I’m sorry, should be a top priority for University City. Make an alternate route to get to Harrisburg south of 49. Do not destroy the area’s ability to grow organically. Also, RCI’s have about as much pavement as a Walmart parking lot.

Also, I’m happy to see the lake getting proper development; I just wish they could’ve shown the multiphase master plan. Or at least I hope that isn’t it.

 

I hear what your saying. But we are talking about a state highway that is 6 lanes through this area. It also crosses 485 which is 8 lanes through there I believe.  How does the city make a high volume state highway safe. Anything that will further aggravate commute times on 49 should be avoided. 

  I just don't feel that walkability is feasible for every mile of Charlotte roads. I'm an advocate for pedestrians don't misunderstand.  I've just lived in the area for most of the past 25yrs. 

[southslider]

Let University City Blvd be a major thoroughfare for through traffic with separated side paths and enhanced crossings. Transform North Tryon into the slower street shared by all users.

[King of the Queen City]

Recent photos from JW Clay Station of the future hotel and conference center.

[rancenc]

Is the future Marriott/Conference center going to be located off of Highway 29?  The site that is currently being cleared?

[KJHburg]

2 minutes ago, rancenc said:

Is the future Marriott/Conference center going to be located off of Highway 29?  The site that is currently being cleared?

Yes that is the site right by the LYNX station.  this hotel will do great. 

[rancenc]

1 minute ago, KJHburg said:

Yes that is the site right by the LYNX station.  this hotel will do great. 

Thanks...for some reason I was thinking the complex was  suppose to be"deeper" into the campus.  I agree I think it will do great!

[KJHburg]

Detoured off I-85N drove up N Tryon through university area. 

1-5 New apartments at McCullough rail station where 2 single story office buildings once were.

6-7 New Marriott on campus has started as previously reported.  Great rail accessibility for this hotel.   In fact most of the university area hotels are walking distance to a LYNX station which should really benefit them in terms of big events uptown.