Charlotte's Growth • Home Owners • February 5, 2023

RUSH OF PLANS: Developers Race to File Rezoning Requests Before New UDO Takes Effect – 3,300 Homes, (2,400 in South Charlotte) and a New Middle School in the Works

by Jenn Sudbury

As the city of Charlotte, North Carolina gears up for the implementation of its new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), developers have been filing rezoning petitions at a rapid pace. The midnight deadline on January 31st marked the end of the window for developers to file under the old regulations. With the new UDO set to take effect in June, developers have been rushing to get their plans approved before the new rules take hold.

This week’s rush of activity in Charlotte has revealed a wide range of exciting new developments, including new middle schools, residential communities, and commercial and industrial projects.

Developer Childress Klein and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools disclosed plans Tuesday for 917 homes and a new middle school in the Rea Farms area of south Charlotte — one of a flurry of significant rezoning applications filed in the last few days ahead of a key deadline.

The new rezoning petitions have come in from a wide range of developers, with plans ranging from large industrial buildings in University City and the Beatties Ford Road corridor to preserving historic schools and converting them into apartments. In total, the city received over 3,300 new homes in just two days, with two huge developments off Providence Road in South Charlotte accounting for the majority of the new plans.

Documents filed in rapid succession Monday and Tuesday revealed a wide range of plans across the city, including:

Some of the highlights from this week’s red-hot rezoning action 🔥 include:
- New middle school + 917 homes: Childress Klein and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools filed documents detailing plans for a “mixed-use residential community with large walkable open space.” It would include 682 apartments, 211 townhomes, 24 single-family houses and a new CMS middle school. It’s on mostly vacant land along Tom Short Road with access from Golf Links Drive west of Providence Road.
- 1,500 homes, retail redevelopment along Providence Road: Levine Properties, Northwood Ravin and Inlivian are teaming up to redevelop and expand two residential communities on both sides of Providence Road near the intersection of Old Providence Road and Sardis Lane, totaling 1,500 homes, including affordable housing. It would also include reinvigorating the Providence Square Shopping Center. More details in this online edition of The Ledger from yesterday.
- Dilworth apartments: Atrium Health is seeking to rezone 3.1 acres on the west side of East Morehead Street between Euclid and Myrtle avenues, to build 450 apartments, including affordable housing, plus 15,000 s.f. of commercial use.
- University City industrial: Rhyne Land Holdings is proposing to rezone 5 parcels on 124 acres at I-485 and University City Boulevard near Cabarrus County line for 2.5 million s.f. of industrial or warehouse.
- Beatties Ford industrial: Lakemont Property Investors is seeking to rezone 41 acres on 2 parcels off Beatties Ford Road near where I-77 and I-85 meet. Plans call for 400,000 s.f. of industrial or warehousing.
- Dilworth/Midtown commercial/apartments: Atrium Health is seeking a rezoning near its under-construction medical school for up to 330,000 s.f. of commercial use — though the site plan also allows up to 330 apartments by reducing the amount of commercial space.
- West Boulevard school preservation: Wilmore Preservation LLC filed a rezoning for the historic Wilmore School on West Boulevard, with plans to convert the building to 270 apartments and community gathering space. It was an elementary school from 1925 to 1978.
- Elizabeth residential/restaurants: Centrum Realty & Development of Chicago is asking to rezone 5 parcels totaling 1.63 acres on 7^th Street between Lamar and Clement avenues. It wants to build 213 residential dwelling units and 5,600 s.q. of retail/restaurants.
- Elizabeth medical office/residential: A block away, on the other side of Independence Park, The Keith Corp. is seeking a rezoning for an 85-foot-tall building on the site of the old King’s College (332 Lamar Ave.) that would have 16 residential units, event space and medical offices.
- Harris YMCA additions: The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is seeking permission to add three additions totaling up to 50,000 s.f. to the front of its Harris YMCA branch in the SouthPark area, along with a new parking lot and an outdoor playground.

One of the biggest highlights from this week’s flurry of activity was the filing of plans for a new mixed-use residential community in South Charlotte. The development, being led by Childress Klein and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, will feature a new middle school and over 900 new homes, including apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses. The development will be built on mostly vacant land along Tom Short Road, near the intersection of Golf Links Drive and Providence Road.

Another significant development was the 1,500-home redevelopment project along Providence Road. Levine Properties, Northwood Ravin, and Inlivian are teaming up to redevelop and expand two residential communities near the intersection of Old Providence Road and Sardis Lane. The plans call for a total of 1,500 homes, including affordable housing, and the revitalization of the Providence Square Shopping Center.

Photo illustration courtesy of Levine Properties

In addition to these large-scale projects, several other developments were also filed this week. Atrium Health is seeking to rezone 3.1 acres near East Morehead Street in Dilworth to build 450 apartments, including affordable housing, and commercial space. Rhyne Land Holdings is proposing a 124-acre industrial development near I-485 and University City Boulevard. Lakemont Property Investors is seeking to rezone 41 acres near the intersection of I-77 and I-85 for industrial or warehousing use.

The recent rush of rezoning petitions is a testament to the uncertainty surrounding the new UDO regulations. While the city has indicated that the UDO is a work in progress and subject to revisions, many in the real estate industry are still uncertain about how the city will interpret the new rules. With this in mind, many developers are rushing to get their plans approved before the new regulations take effect in June.

It’s an exciting time to watch our city’s growth!

Discover the impact of your Charlotte’s growth on your home’s value! Click the link below for an immediate home estimate and see how much your investment is worth. Don’t wait, your wealth building potential is just a click away.

Charlotte Home Estimate

Home Owners • February 5, 2023

Revolutionizing South Charlotte: A 115-Acre Mixed-Use Redevelopment Project Coming Your Way

by Jenn Sudbury

Exciting news for homeowners near Providence Road in south Charlotte!

Three developers – Levine Properties, Northwood Ravin, and Horizon Development Properties – are joining forces to revitalize the 115-acre area with a mixed-use redevelopment project.

Photo illustration courtesy of Levine Properties

This project aims to bring new life to the area with the addition of up to 1,500 new housing units, including about 225 affordable/workforce units, a 100,000 square-foot grocery store, 80,000 square-feet of smaller boutique retail (without drive-thrus), and 45,000 square-feet of office space.

The site, which is located near the intersection of Providence Road and Sardis Lane, includes the redevelopment of Crest on Providence apartments and Gladedale apartments and has the Providence Square Shopping Center at its center. Most of the existing development in the area is 50 or 60 years old, and this project aims to modernize the area and bring the idea of 10-minute neighborhoods to life, where people can access most day-to-day needs within a short distance from home.

Plans by three developers, including a subsidiary of affordable housing nonprofit Inlivian, call for up to 1,500 new residential units and a new grocery store off Providence Road in south Charlotte.

The addition of a grocery store is sure to be a welcome change for nearby residents who have been without one for years. However, the expansion of the housing component may stir up opposition from those in south Charlotte who already object to worsening traffic on Providence Road. While residents might be concerned about the effects of a larger project, the developers believe that this project will bring much-needed revitalization to the area.

The land covered by three rezonings would contain a mix of housing types, such as single-family, townhomes and affordable apartments, on both sides of Providence Road. (Map from rezoning filing)

The three separate rezoning requests require the approval of the City Council, which will likely take up the issue in the second half of this year. This is a rare opportunity for a development or redevelopment of this size in south Charlotte, where land is scarce, and it’s sure to bring positive changes to the area. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project!

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to see a potential increase in the value of your home! The mixed-use redevelopment project in the Providence Road corridor is poised to bring a fresh new look and improved amenities to the area. Click the link below to receive an immediate home estimate.

Charlotte Home Estimate

Home Owners • Home Repair • January 25, 2023

Discover the Secrets to Maximizing Your Home’s Value and Happiness: 2022 Remodeling Impact Report Reveals Top Renovations

by Jenn Sudbury

Are you considering a home renovation project?

A new study from the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry has found that painting, adding a home office, and new hardwood floors are among the renovations that brought homeowners the most joy in the past year. With Americans spending $420 billion in 2020 on home remodeling, it’s important to know not only which projects will bring you the most satisfaction, but also which projects offer the best return on investment. In this post, we’ll break down the top renovation projects according to joy and cost recovery, as well as how the pandemic affected home improvement decisions. So, whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value or simply want to freshen up your living space, read on to find out which projects are worth your time and money.

According to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, painting, adding a home office, and new hardwood floors were among the top renovations that brought homeowners the most satisfaction in the past year. The report also found that Americans spent $420 billion in 2020 on home remodeling, showing the significant impact that the pandemic had on home improvement decisions.

One of the key findings of the report was that homeowners tend to undertake remodeling projects for a variety of reasons. Some were content with sprucing up a room with a simple paint job, while others decided to take on the task of renovating an entire attic or basement to add additional living space to their home. The report also found that the pandemic inspired many homeowners to remodel more than one room in their home, with 86% of surveyed homeowners stating that remodeling one area of their home led to inspiration for other areas as well.

Remodeling Projects that bring the Homeowner Joy

Another important aspect of the report is the cost recovery percentages of various remodeling projects. The report found that there was overlap between the top 10 most joyful projects and the top 10 projects in terms of cost recovery. For example, hardwood flooring refinish had a cost recovery percentage of 147%, while new wood flooring had a cost recovery percentage of 118%. These figures are important for homeowners to consider when planning a remodeling project as they provide insight into the likely return on investment. The report also cautioned that the actual cost of a remodeling project and cost recovery depend on project design, quality of materials, and the location of the property.

ROI for Interior Repairs

With the insights provided in this report, homeowners can make informed decisions about which projects align with their needs and goals, and can rest assured that these projects will bring them joy and potentially increase the value of their home.

So, whether you’re looking to create a home office for remote work, add a new bathroom, or renovate your kitchen, the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report is a valuable resource for homeowners looking to make changes to their home. Take the time to research the options available to you and consult with a professional remodeler to make your dream home a reality. With the right renovation, you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come and be able to recoup a significant amount of the cost when it comes time to sell. So, don’t wait any longer, start planning your home renovation today!

Don’t wait any longer to give your home the upgrade it deserves. Find out the true value of your home before you begin your renovations. Click the link below for an immediate home valuation estimate. Act now and take the first step towards creating your dream home.

Charlotte Home Valuation

Home Owners • Home Repair • January 15, 2023

4 DIY Jobs Sellers Should Stop Doing

by Jenn Sudbury

Home inspectors say they can spot the work of an amateur versus a pro!

Homeowners may have gotten overconfident with their DIY skills. Armed with YouTube tutorials and extra time at home during the pandemic, more homeowners have been drawn to DIY house projects to save money and bypass waits for overbooked contractors. Home inspectors are seeing the results of that DIY surge. When homeowners go to sell, they say more DIY jobs are popping up as red flags.

“We want homeowners to be handy, but we want them to be careful about what they choose to do to their home,” says Adam Long, president of the HomeTeam Inspection Service, which has 200-plus offices nationwide. “It’s important to know when to call in a professional. Saving $200 to $300 for an electrician or plumber could end up costing you thousands in the end.”

Here are the areas where home inspectors are noticing an uptick, Long says.

#1 Electrical Work

Common DIY tasks: Installing a lighting fixture, ceiling fan, or dimmer switch

Risks: Electrocution and home electrical fires

Red flags: Inspectors are spotting overloaded circuit boxes, wires left exposed or the wrong wires being used, and improper junction boxes. “Any changes in the electrical box can be problematic, even when it seems minor like adding a dimmer or wall switch or even a Wi-Fi–enabled switch,” Long says. Personal dangers aside, faulty wiring can cause shorts that lead to house fires. Further, homeowners who do their own electrical work may have failed to get the necessary permits—approvals from municipalities that shows a job was done to code. Failing to get permits can result in fines and hold up a home sale.

#2 Plumbing

Common DIY tasks: Changing a faucet or appliance

Risks: Water leaks or flooding to the home and mold

Red flags: Plumbing that is wrongly installed or repaired can cause significant damage to a home, such as flooding and eventual wood rot and mold growth, which can affect air quality and human health. “Be careful any time you do anything with the home’s plumbing to make sure you are doing it safely and correctly,” Long says. Homeowners may be tempted to change a faucet or update an appliance like a dishwasher. But one wrong connection can lead to costly damage. A dishwasher requires lots of water pressure. If it’s not properly hooked up, homeowners could experience significant flooding in a kitchen.

#3 Roofing & Decks

Common DIY tasks: Installing or extending a new deck or repairing roof shingles

Risks: Injuries from falls and damage to the home

Red flags: Home inspectors say DIY deck installations often are improperly attached to the house or have loose, insecure handrails, both of which pose safety concerns. With roofs, homeowners may try to replace a shingle. “Professionals take extra precautions and know how to stay safe on the roof while making repairs,” Long says. Decks and roofs are some of the highest-priced home items to fix—and where the labor tends to be more expensive than materials, homeowners are too often tempted to do it themselves for the savings, Long says.

#4 Landscape Grading

Common DIY tasks: Adding landscaping or outdoor elements that change water flow around the home

Risks: Improper draining, flooding, and structural damage

Red flags: Inspectors may spot puddles of water around the home’s foundation. When the house was built, the yard was graded so that water would flow away from the home. But after a few years, grading may not have been properly maintained. This can cause water to rush around the foundation and lead to structural damage or water entering a basement or crawl space. “This one is an easy one to pay attention to, especially when it’s raining,” Long says. “That’s the best time to check that water is moving away from the foundation. The gutters should be directing water away from the foundation, too.”

Written by: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

While DIY projects can be a great way to save money and improve your home, there are certain tasks that are best left to the professionals. Electrical work, plumbing, roofing and decks, and landscape grading can all be dangerous and result in costly damage if not done correctly. It’s important to be aware of the risks and to know when to call in a professional. To help you make the right choices for your home, I invite you to click on this link and schedule a 15-minute chat with me to discuss the best options for your DIY projects. Don’t let a DIY gone wrong cost you thousands in repairs and delays in selling your home, reach out for guidance and advice today!

Home Owners • Home Repair • January 15, 2023

3 Features Dating Your Exterior and How to Fix Them

by Jenn Sudbury

A few updates—big or small—can dress up a home’s outside.

Buyers get their first impression of a home from its exterior, and a dated look on the outside may signal to them that the inside needs work, too. Jackie Mosher, cofounder of Dzinly, a virtual design platform enabling users to test different home exterior features, shares which styles are fading in popularity and offers suggestions to give them a fresh update.

Red brick: “Some call it a timeless look, but it hasn’t been on the top of a builder’s material list for a long time,” Mosher says.

Before:

Photo courtesy: Dzinly

A modern update: Paint the red brick white or gray to give the home an entirely new look.

After:

Virtual representation / Photo credit: Dzinly

Before:

Photo courtesy: Dzinly

After:

Virtual representation / Photo credit: Dzinly

Angled bay windows: “These are everywhere, and oftentimes, you don’t even realize they are the problem until you replace it,” Mosher says.

Before:

Photo courtesy: Dzinly

A modern update: Replace the bay window with a boxed window. (Tip: Include a flower box on the border outside to really dress it up.)

After:

Virtual representation / Photo credit: Dzinly

Decorative glass front door: “They’re functional because they provide some privacy, but these are not the best look anymore,” Mosher says.

Before:

Photo courtesy: Dzinly

A modern update: Opt for a door that is less bedazzled and just plain glass.

After:

Virtual representation / Photo credit: Dzinly

Written by: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

In conclusion, updating your home’s exterior can make a big difference in its overall look and appeal. By painting red brick, replacing angled bay windows with boxed windows, and opting for a more modern front door, you can give your home a fresh, updated look. If you’re considering making updates to your home’s exterior and want to know what features are popular in your area, be sure to click on this link and schedule a 15-minute chat with me. I’ll be happy to help you make the right choices for your home and neighborhood.