Charlotte’s Market Growth in April 2025

Charlotte’s Expanding Market: Momentum in April 2025

Charlotte continues to attract new companies, invest in infrastructure, and expand its real estate and retail footprint

Retail and Culinary Expansion: Local Flavor Meets National Growth

One exciting addition to Charlotte’s evolving food scene is the announcement that PopUp Bagels, a crowd favorite chain from the Northeast, will open at The Bowl at Ballantyne as part of a 10-location expansion into North Carolina. This not only introduces a unique culinary experience but also signifies Ballantyne’s rising status as a walkable, mixed-use destination for retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences (Axios).

Commercial Real Estate and Retail Trends

SouthPark Mall’s strategic shift toward luxury and high-profile retail is a positive indicator for Charlotte’s commercial real estate market. By attracting premium tenants like Bally, Diptyque, Vuori, Tudor, and Breitling, the mall is not only enhancing the local retail landscape but also drawing high-spending consumers from across the region. This reinvestment by Simon Property Group signals confidence in Charlotte’s economic stability and growth potential. As one of the Southeast’s top-performing malls with around 12 million annual visitors, SouthPark’s evolution reflects broader market trends that favor experiential, high-end retail — a trend that benefits both local employment and commercial property values in Charlotte. “As the Charlotte market grows, luxury retail sees it wants to be here as well. This is where they find their home,” (Charlotte Business Journal).

Meanwhile in West Charlotte, Savona Mill’s transformation into a vibrant mixed-use campus in Charlotte’s Historic West End underscores the city’s thriving commercial real estate market. The $70 million redevelopment of the 105-year-old textile mill, led by Portman Holdings, has successfully blended historic charm with modern amenities, offering approximately 180,000 square feet of office space and 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The recent signing of BGW CPA for a 14,000-square-foot office space at Savona Mill highlights the project’s appeal to innovative firms seeking creative work environments. (Charlotte Business Journal).

Additionally, The District Exchange in downtown Concord is revitalizing a historic theater into a micro-retail hub, featuring 16 small storefronts and new food-and-beverage spaces. This adaptive reuse project supports local entrepreneurs and reflects a broader trend in the Charlotte market toward flexible, community-driven retail development, signaling continued strength in the region’s commercial real estate sector (Charlotte Business Journal).

Manufacturing and Industrial Investment

Industrial real estate continues to thrive as logistics demands grow. In Huntersville, SunCap Property Group is building nearly 200,000 square feet of industrial space, tapping into Charlotte’s strategic location and booming warehousing sector (Charlotte Business Journal). The project is a strong signal that investors see Charlotte as a vital link in regional and national supply chains. “North Charlotte is an infill submarket with a strong demand story,” SunCap senior vice president Derek Mathis said in a statement to the Charlotte Business Journal. “We’re seeing good activity out of the gate and are excited to deliver this project by end of year.” (Charlotte Business Journal).

Aerospace and Advanced Technology

AeroX, a North Carolina-based nonprofit, is spearheading the development of an advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem that promises to transform communities like Charlotte. The organization’s initiatives, such as the ATLAS unmanned traffic management system, are designed to integrate drones and air taxis safely into urban airspace. This integration is expected to enhance emergency response times, streamline infrastructure inspections, and improve the delivery of goods and medical supplies.

Michael Baughan, AeroX Chair, emphasizes the broader economic implications: “By leveraging North Carolina’s leadership in unmanned aviation and positioning our state as a leader in AAM, we are attracting innovative companies that will grow all sectors of our economy and provide high-value jobs for our communities.” (AeroX) As AeroX continues to advance these technologies, Charlotte stands to benefit from increased job opportunities, enhanced public services, and a strengthened position in the burgeoning AAM industry. (Charlotte Business Journal)

Health Infrastructure and Regional Access

Atrium Health is set to open its new Lake Norman hospital in Cornelius this July, marking a significant milestone in expanding healthcare access for the rapidly growing region. The $255 million project will launch with a 36-bed, 171,000-square-foot hospital and a 72,000-square-foot medical office building, offering services including an intensive care unit, operating rooms, a full-time emergency department, and maternity care.

Beyond enhancing medical services, the hospital is poised to stimulate local economic growth by creating over 300 jobs. Brian Wofford, vice president and facility executive at Atrium Health Lake Norman, emphasized the broader community impact, “We take pride knowing patients choose Atrium Health for their health care,” Wofford said. “And we recognize this incredible opportunity to foster economic growth, enhance community vitality and most importantly, ensure our neighbors can access high-quality health care close to home right here in the Lake Norman community. (Charlotte Business Journal) This development reflects Atrium Health’s commitment to meeting the needs of the Lake Norman area, ensuring residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services within their community.

Public Investment and Statewide Economic Impact

North Carolina’s new transportation funding bill is poised to significantly improve the state’s infrastructure, addressing the challenges posed by federal funding cuts. The bill focuses on enhancing key transportation projects that will improve regional mobility and bolster supply chain efficiency. These improvements will not only make it easier for people and goods to move across the state but also ensure that the Charlotte metro area remains a competitive and attractive destination for businesses.

With a growing focus on supporting economic development, the bill is expected to increase the region’s appeal to employers looking for efficient transportation networks and access to a strong workforce. As local leaders have emphasized, “Investing in our transportation infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the continued growth and competitiveness of the Charlotte region.” (Charlotte Business Journal) These improvements are also seen as essential in positioning Charlotte as a hub for both national and international business, further fueling the city’s economic growth. The new funding will play a pivotal role in making the Charlotte metro area a more dynamic, business-friendly environment, driving job creation and supporting the region’s long-term economic success.

Events and Global Engagement

Charlotte is gaining international recognition as it prepares to host the Military World Games. The global event will attract athletes and tourists from over 100 countries, infusing the local economy with visitor spending and increasing Charlotte’s visibility as a global destination (Charlotte Business Journal). For local businesses and hospitality operators, this presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Startup Ecosystem and Innovation Leadership

The latest ecosystem report from Innovate Charlotte shows growth in funding access, mentorship, and diversity—key factors in the health of a startup economy (Charlotte Business Journal). Charlotte is no longer an “emerging” tech city—it’s asserting itself as a startup-friendly destination that’s attracting serious venture interest.

A major win for the ecosystem is DetraPel, a Shark Tank-featured cleantech firm, choosing to move its headquarters to Charlotte and build a 40,000-square-foot research and production facility (Charlotte Business Journal). This move underscores Charlotte’s growing appeal to sustainable and scalable businesses.

Conclusion: Charlotte’s Market Stays Hot

Charlotte continues to be a market on the rise. Whether it’s through smart urban redevelopment, expanding logistics capacity, or fostering cutting-edge startups, the city is building a resilient economy. From infrastructure and real estate to innovation and lifestyle, Charlotte is proving to investors, businesses, and residents that it’s not just growin, it’s thriving.

About Rise48 Equity:

Rise48 Equity is a Multifamily Investment Group with local offices in Phoenix, AZ, Dallas, TX, and Charlotte, NC. “At Rise48 Equity, we provide opportunities for accredited and non-accredited investors to protect and grow their wealth and achieve passive cash flow. Our team brings expertise to acquire, reposition, and return capital to investors upon reaching our business plan. Through our research and strategically formed partnerships, we acquire commercial multifamily apartment properties, strategically add value to the properties, and create passive income for our investors through cash flow and profits from the sale.”

Since 2019, Rise48 Equity has completed over $2.4 Billion+ in total transactions and currently has $1.9 Billion+ assets under management located in Arizona, Texas, and North Carolina. All of the company’s assets under management are managed by Rise48 Equity’s vertically integrated property management company, Rise48 Communities.

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