Feb. 18. A mixed-use project with retail, high-end apartments and modern townhomes that will be built by Cornelius-based North State Development will be the largest private development/investment in downtown in a quarter century, according to Mayor John Aneralla.

The 10-acre site is next to Discovery Place Kids. The full build-out value of the project is estimated by town officials at more than $45 million—greater than all the town-owned facilities combined.

Huntersville Town Center will include 12,000 square-feet of retail and non-residential space, and up to 134 apartment units, 41 townhome lots and 11 single-family homes.

Investment

“The North State Development project is the first significant private investment in Huntersville’s downtown in over 25 years,” Aneralla said.

The $20 million Main Street road construction project set to begin this summer.

“With additional private investments soon anticipated, the transformation of Huntersville’s downtown into a regional destination is accelerating,” Aneralla said.

The North State project is expected to simulate downtown revitalization that so far has occurred in fits and starts.

JOHN ANERALLA

“I actually grew up in Huntersville and I’ve watched other areas around Lake Norman grow and prosper, while the downtown areas of Huntersville has missed out,” said Shane Seagle, PE, managing partner of Cornelius-based North State.

3-2 vote

The North State project was approved 3-2 by the Town Board, with a fair amount of community opposition. A group called Save Downtown Huntersville collected thousands of signatures opposing the project.

Planning Board

“We were pleased to have received unanimous approval from the Planning Board for this project, and majority approval from the Town Board,” said Buckner.

Terrence Llewellyn, a nationally known multifamily development consultant, worked with North State Development on the planning for Huntersville Town Center.

Susan Irvin of Irvin Law Group was also an integral part of the Cornelius-based development team during the rezoning process.