Trammell Crow, Gensler, locals in mix for 90-acre “Destination District” 

Winning proposals for Charlotte airport land could be chosen this month

Trammell Crow's Danny Queenan, Gensler's Diane Hoskins; Charlotte Douglas Airport (Getty, Trammell Crow, Gensler)
Trammell Crow's Danny Queenan, Gensler's Diane Hoskins; Charlotte Douglas Airport (Getty, Trammell Crow, Gensler)

Developers left and right are attempting to land their planes and grab part — or all — of a 90-acre site available in front of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

At least 10 companies or ventures are proposing projects for the 90-acre site, dubbed the “Destination District,” the Charlotte Business Journal reported. The responses come months after the airport opened a request for proposals on the city-owned land, which is on Wilkinson Boulevard, Stafford Drive and North Josh Birmingham Parkway and links to Interstate 85.

The size of the projects range from the partial site to the full acreage. The intentions of the development also range, though many of the projects include industrial aspects; a conceptual plan provided by the airport targets 51 acres for industrial use.

Three mixed-use projects have been proposed, including 90-acre plans from Lansing Melbourne Group and a joint venture including Gensler as one of the partners. Lansing’s $300 million project investment would take the form of an equity partnership with the city and include office, medical and industrial space, two hotels, a gym and restaurants. The Gensler group is eyeing the 51 acres for industrial use and 39 acres for a mix of office, retail and hotel use.

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The third mixed-use project, proposed by Crosland Southeast, would only span 15 acres but would include office/life sciences space, retail, two hotels, a brewery and a convenience store.

Trammell Crow, Seefried Industrial Properties and Portman Industrial are eying industrial space for portions of the site. DreamCatcher Hotels and Vinta Group are proposing single hotels, while Naman Hotels is proposing dual hotels that could open by 2027. Koulomb, a subsidiary of solar company Pure Power Contractors, is proposing electric vehicle charging stations for a small part of the site.

The winning proposals could be selected by airport officials by the end of the month. The city council is expected to make their pick(s) in the fall, meaning contracts could be signed by early December.

Holden Walter-Warner

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