SQUARING UP
Redevelopment concepts include a walkable district connecting University to surrounding area.
REDEVELOPMENT
Written By Meg DellaMea
You’ve probably heard the rumblings of development plans for the Mallard Pointe Shopping Center, directly across from the light rail’s J.W. Clay Station.
Initially coined as “the new University Main Street” by Charlotte-based Cambridge Properties via a recent Axios Charlotte article, the project would redevelop the almost 15-acre property into usable space for students and the public alike.
Recently reimagined by University City Partners, Perkins&Will, StreetPlans and the Congress of New Urbanism, the project would center around an outdoor space likened to a town square. Visualized as a gathering place for the community and flanked by mixed-use development on most sides, the University City Square would further define UNC Charlotte’s connectivity to the area.
An inviting “great lawn” is the epicenter of the redevelopment, including an emphasis on walkability, with areas for various activities. Think food trucks, commerce stalls and small artisan markets with shady places to relax and enjoy local fare.
SITE PLAN
Mallard Creek Greenway access is built into the project’s site plan, connected to the great lawn by a retail promenade where patrons could grab a cup of coffee or craft beer while shopping for gear for the next big game.
On the J.W. Clay Boulevard side of the project a larger-than-life “staircase” will usher the community into the square, with places to lounge, gather and enter into the action below.
The proposed project would be phased and incorporates plans for mixed-use development throughout including restaurants and pubs, retail, apartments and corporate spaces.
CONNECTION
Once the project is approved, passersby could see movement on phase one within 12 months. The promotion of public spaces alongside walkable districts linked by public transit is seen as a step forward for many as plans to increase walkability scores in a heavily car-dependent city rise. The University City Square would further ingrain the identity of UNC Charlotte with the surrounding University City and the City of Charlotte at large.
Meg DellaMea is the director of engagement marketing for University Communications.
Renderings courtesy of University City Partners, Perkins&Will and STREETPLANS.
SQUARING UP
Redevelopment concepts include a walkable district connecting University to surrounding area.
Written By Meg DellaMea
REDEVELOPMENT
You’ve probably heard the rumblings of development plans for the Mallard Pointe Shopping Center, directly across from the light rail’s J.W. Clay Station.
Initially coined as “the new University Main Street” by Charlotte-based Cambridge Properties via a recent Axios Charlotte article, the project would redevelop the almost 15-acre property into usable space for students and the public alike.
Recently reimagined by University City Partners, Perkins&Will, StreetPlans and the Congress of New Urbanism, the project would center around an outdoor space likened to a town square. Visualized as a gathering place for the community and flanked by mixed-use development on most sides, the University City Square would further define UNC Charlotte’s connectivity to the area.
An inviting “great lawn” is the epicenter of the redevelopment, including an emphasis on walkability, with areas for various activities. Think food trucks, commerce stalls and small artisan markets with shady places to relax and enjoy local fare.
SITE PLAN
Mallard Creek Greenway access is built into the project’s site plan, connected to the great lawn by a retail promenade where patrons could grab a cup of coffee or craft beer while shopping for gear for the next big game.
On the J.W. Clay Boulevard side of the project a larger-than-life “staircase” will usher the community into the square, with places to lounge, gather and enter into the action below.
The proposed project would be phased and incorporates plans for mixed-use development throughout including restaurants and pubs, retail, apartments and corporate spaces.
CONNECTION
Once the project is approved, passersby could see movement on phase one within 12 months. The promotion of public spaces alongside walkable districts linked by public transit is seen as a step forward for many as plans to increase walkability scores in a heavily car-dependent city rise. The University City Square would further ingrain the identity of UNC Charlotte with the surrounding University City and the City of Charlotte at large.
Meg DellaMea is the director of engagement marketing for University Communications.
Renderings courtesy of University City Partners, Perkins&Will and STREETPLANS.
