With urban growth and infill comes the complex challenge of making commercial development compatible with adjacent residential areas, a task made more complicated when historic designations and active neighborhood associations are involved. Such is the case in Charlotte, NC where urban infill is intensifying, especially along the rail corridor created by the city's new multi-billion dollar light-rail system. The city created special transit-oriented zoning to promote development of high-density residential and commercial projects.
One of the first national retailers to capitalize on this opportunity was Lowe's, the home improvement company. Working with developer Conformity Corporation, Lowe's is building a unique 140,000 square foot store with rooftop parking; a 16,000 square foot rooftop garden; a 30,000 square foot garden center; and a 4,200 square foot outdoor living center. The store is the centerpiece of Southborough, an 11-acre, $28 million mixed-use project designed to contain retail and residential. A 24,000 square foot office-retail building also was included in the plan.
When the project was announced, it immediately created concern within the historic Dilworth neighborhood, which abuts the site on two sides. The Dilworth Community Development Association opposed the rezoning of the site, arguing that a big-box store did not reflect the character of the neighborhood and surrounding areas. Other community concerns included the size of the retail center, the volume of traffic generated and the impact of ongoing store operations.
Representatives of Lowe's, Conformity, and team members LandDesign and BB+M Architecture opened an expansive dialogue with the neighborhood, city staff and other stakeholders. Over a dozen meetings were held to review plans, discuss options and generate feedback that was injected into subsequent revisions. The neighborhood association also formed a committee that assisted with the design and rezoning process.
Ultimately, an innovative design solution emerged that satisfied community concerns and fulfilled the business needs of Lowe's and Conformity.
The key was the utilization of the plan's residential components, combined with landscaping and green spaces, to effectively camouflage the big-box. The master plan was radically revised to place 67 townhomes and flats, ranging from 650 to over 2,200 square feet, on the two sides of the site that face the Dilworth neighborhood. The townhomes sit along the streets while, behind them, the flats wrap the store and face outward toward the other residential units to create an urban village atmosphere. Each unit has a garage that ensures parking for residents and minimizes visual impact. Fountains, generous landscaping and plantings, green spaces and courtyards all contribute to the village atmosphere and further screen the retail center from the adjacent neighborhood.
The result is an innovative urban infill project that meets the business needs of Lowe's and the developer and co-exists with the adjacent historic neighborhood.