The four-lane extension of the major roadway opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, signaling the completion of a major infrastructure investment and signifying the next step in the large redevelopment.
“Extending west all the way to Dixie River Road will make for a great improvement from a transportation standpoint in just having that direct connection getting across Beaverdam Creek,” said Rainer Ficken, Crescent Communities senior managing director of The River District. “Not only will it be ultimately beneficial for the River District itself but just that region in general. Having that connectivity is going to be really great for everyone.”
West Boulevard previously ended at a little past Interstate 485 but now extends about a mile to Dixie River Road.
The $30 million project, Ficken said, was a joint collaboration between the developer Crescent Communities and the city of Charlotte. The extension features two lanes going in each direction. There’s also a separated bike lane and an elevated sidewalk.
The River District spans 1,400 acres just west of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It sits along the Catawba River. Google Maps screenshot
River District housing
Tuesday’s celebration included a nod to the current construction of Crescent’s Novel River District, a 318-unit, seven-building multifamily development.
Construction began in August on the first building, which will include the leasing center and amenities including a fitness center and a pool. The units will be market rate and the first building is expected to be completed in about 18 months.
The West Boulevard expansion as part of the River District project features four lanes, a bike path and sidewalks. Courtesy of Crescent Communities
Ficken added that the district’s other housing developments are also on track.
Crescent is partnering with Laurel Street Residential to build an 87-unit affordable complex for those making 80% of the area median income or less. For a family of four, 80% AMI is about $84,800. Ficken said closing on that site is still set for December.
Crescent will be clearing about 267 lots that will then be sold to the homebuilders. A portion of those lots will be cleared by December and the builders will begin constructing model homes. Those are set to be ready in the spring to show potential residents.
The construction site of Crescent Communities Novel River District, a 318-unit, seven-building multifamily development in the River District. Courtesy of Crescent Communities
All of the initial residential spaces will be in Westrow, the district’s new neighborhood town center.
A River District refresher
The River District sits on the west side of the airport and Interstate 485 near the Catawba River, on 1,400 previously forested acres. Plans for the project began in 2016 .
The River District will ultimately bring around 5,000 homes, market rate and affordable apartments, millions of square feet of office space, half a million square feet of retail and 1,000 hotel rooms. There are also plans for a pavilion, playgrounds and a 2-acre working farm that will sell its product at a local market.
A portion of the West Boulevard expansion, which is part of the River District, a 1,400-acre mixed-use development Courtesy of Crescent Communities
Ficken said the district’s new amenities, such as the pavilion, as well as the existing waterfront and nature trails, will all be accessible to all Charlotteans.
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