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Author: Patty Drummond

April 15, 2024 In Announcements & News, Press Releases

Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Charlotte Established Endowment for Johnson C. Smith University

Charlotte, North Carolina (April 9, 2024) – CREW Charlotte, one of the most transformative commercial real estate professional organizations in the Charlotte region, announced Tuesday its establishment of a $25,000 endowment benefitting Johnson C. Smith University. The endowment will offset educational expenses for select top performing female students seeking degrees that could lead to careers in commercial real estate. CREW Charlotte funded the endowment through donations raised at various events hosted annually by the organization and chose Johnson C. Smith to receive the generous gift in an effort to further its commitment to diversity and supporting activities that positively impact the Charlotte community.

 

CREW Charlotte President Katie Barker with Morningstar Properties, presents check to Dr. Evelyn Leathers, Dr. Alphonso Ogbuehi, and Jennifer Joyner with Johnson C. Smith University

 

Johnson C. Smith is a private, independent historically black university located in Charlotte, North Carolina that was founded in 1867 as a freedmen’s college to educate formerly enslaved black men. JCSU is one of 11 HBCUs in North Carolina recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The school offers 22 degree programs through its three colleges to nearly 1,100 students annually.

 

Founded in 1990, CREW Charlotte is a chapter of CREW Network, the commercial real estate industry’s premier business networking organization with over 14,000 members globally. CREW Charlotte boasts over 400 commercial real estate professionals in the Greater Charlotte region. To learn more, visit crewcharlotte.org.

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April 9, 2024 In Luncheon Summary

April 2024 Luncheon: “Thriving Submarkets in Charlotte”

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

CREW Charlotte’s April luncheon showcased Charlotte’s remarkable ascent to becoming the fifteenth largest city in the United States, with a particular focus on its most vibrant submarkets, including South End, University City, SouthPark, and Ballantyne.

Marguerite Novak, representing City Center Partners, provided insights into the staggering $41 billion investment within the City Center footprint. Among the notable current projects is McColl Park, paying homage to Hugh McColl’s legacy. The park’s design is currently being refined, with construction slated to commence in 2024 and an anticipated opening in the summer of 2025. City Center Partners also unveiled their ambitious long-term plan, featuring the North Tryon Tech Hub, a long range plan that will span two decades.

Keith Stanley of University City Center emphasized the unprecedented growth of the University City submarket. Encompassing 8 square miles in North Charlotte, the area boasts 4,700 businesses, a population of 150,000, and a workforce of 100,000. Future developments along the boardwalk, a $40 million library and a research park that will be linked by a pedestrian bridge to UNC Charlotte, promise to further elevate the area’s stature.

Adam Rhew, representing SouthPark Community Partners, revealed that SouthPark is experiencing a surge of $1 billion in new development. Encompassing just one square mile, SouthPark is home to 100,000 residents and a workforce of 32,000. Notably, the newly established municipal service district, including the highly successful SouthPark Mall, underscores the area’s economic vitality. With ongoing renovations at Phillips Place and plans for experiential retail, SouthPark Community Partners is spearheading the 2035 Vision Plan, envisioning enhanced walkability, green spaces, and a vibrant park-centric environment.

Lastly, Christina Thigpen, representing Northwood Office and a board member of South Charlotte Partners, provided insights into the transformation of Ballantyne’s campus. The former golf course is evolving into a dynamic mixed-use development. Groundbreaking in 2021, Ballantyne’s revitalization has been supported by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County with assistance with road and water enhancements. The “New Heart” of Ballantyne, encompasses both indoor and outdoor spaces, with Olde Mecklenburg Brewery anchoring the development with a 1-acre beer garden set to open next month. With plans for a 26-story residential tower, a 6-acre stream park, Amp @ Ballantyne which will be an outdoor concert venue, and Greenway acres facilitating connectivity to uptown via bike, Ballantyne’s reimagination promises to redefine contemporary living in Charlotte.

As these ambitious projects take shape, Charlotte is poised to not only maintain its status a major metropolitan hub but also emerge as a beacon of urban excellence, offering its resident and visitors unparalleled opportunities for living and thriving in all areas of the Queen City.

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February 13, 2024 In Luncheon Summary

CREW Charlotte’s February 2024 Luncheon: “What’s Next at CLT?”

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

A record-breaking 245 people attended CREW Charlotte’s February Luncheon! Located 6 miles from the city center, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) stands as the seventh busiest airport in the United States, boasting a remarkable achievement in 2023 by accommodating over 53 million passengers, marking it as a record-breaking year. Ted Kaplan, Chief Business and Innovation Officer at CLT, elaborated on the airport’s economic significance. With 180 nonstop destinations and 36 international destinations, CLT generates $32 billion annually in economic impact in North Carolina, constituting 5% of the State’s GDP. Owned and operated by the City of Charlotte, CLT operates under a self-sustaining federal mandate, necessitating that all expenditures at the airport be covered by aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues.

Stuart Hair, Director of Commercial and Community Engagement, outlined CLT’s response to its exponential growth through various airport renovations and expansions. The completion of the terminal lobby expansion, representing a $608 million investment, is anticipated by 2025. Concurrently, the ongoing Concourse A Expansion – Phase II, set to add 10 new gates, is slated for completion in 2024. Furthermore, the construction of a fourth parallel runway, earmarked for completion in 2027, symbolizes a monumental investment of $1 billion.

In tandem with aeronautical advancements, Jennifer Thompson, Commercial Engagement Manager, unveiled CLT’s endeavor to diversify revenue streams by releasing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of a destination district. The RFP, aimed at generating non-aeronautical revenue, sets the deadline for proposals as February 22, 2024, with the selection of a developer scheduled for April 2024.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) exemplifies not only a vital transportation hub but also a cornerstone of economic activity in North Carolina. With its ambitious expansion plans and strategic initiatives to bolster revenue, CLT is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and serve as a catalyst for economic development in the region.

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January 9, 2024 In Luncheon Summary

January 2024 Luncheon: “The National and Regional Economy in 2024”

Submitted by Ashleigh Mellon, Geo-Hydro Engineers

 

At the January luncheon, economist Laura Ulrich, with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, delivered an optimistic message, assuring that the current data does not indicate a potential recession in 2024. Despite potential roadblocks, the resilience of consumer spending amid inflation stands out as a key factor in averting an economic downturn. Ullrich noted that the Federal Reserve has concluded its rate increases, and there are signs of rates starting to decline. Global supply chain issues have largely subsided to levels below those seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, although some isolated challenges persist. Housing starts and permits have seen an uptick in recent months, although they remain below 2021 levels, and the pervasive issue of housing shortages persists across communities. Notably, North Carolina emerges as a strong performer in employment recovery, with Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte leading the way in exceeding the state’s 7 percent job growth. Despite the positive outlook, the tight labor market is acknowledged, and there is a recognition that it may continue to tighten in the future.

For Laura’s full presentation, please click here.

 

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December 12, 2023 In Luncheon Summary

CREW Charlotte’s December Luncheon: “The Power of Partnerships: An Inside Look at the Brookhill Village Redevelopment”

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

 

The final CREW luncheon of 2023 emerged as the pinnacle of inspiration and upliftment for the year. Guided by Antoine Dennard, a Partner at Quore Advisors, the event featured a captivating panel discussion which included his partner is in the Brookhill Village redevelopment, Mike Griffin with Griffin Brothers, Colin Pinkney with The Harvest Center and Warren Wooten with the City of Charlotte.  Together, these entities united their efforts to redevelop 100 units in Brookhill Village, originally established in 1957.

The overarching objective of the Brookhill Village redevelopment was to retain current residence in their units while preserving the development’s affordable housing status. Notably, Brookhill Village marked the inception of affordable housing for African American in the City of Charlotte. Dennard emphasized several times throughout the presentation, “Our goal was to put the residents first and everything else would work out.” In some instances, there were 5th generation residents living in Brookhill Village and it was the partner’s ultimate goal to improve their lives.

Beyond the redevelopment of the existing living units, Quore Advisors and Griffin Brothers envision a mixed-use development to include vertical tiny homes, retail and wrap around services provided by the Harvest Center to include a gym, kitchen and training center. The partners also aspire to pay tribute to Tremont Station and the spirit of South End.

The Brookhill Village redevelopment stands on the precipice of transformation, buoyed by substantial support from the City and County, as well as a $3 million investment by Harvest Center, announced during the CREW luncheon. This initiative not only promises to reshape the landscape of the area but will also change lives.

 

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November 2, 2023 In Announcements & News, Press Releases

CREW Charlotte Announces 2023 Impact Award Winners

On the evening of November 1st, CREW Charlotte celebrated their annual Impact Awards celebration at Myers Park Country Club.  The awards honor members and projects that have had a meaningful impact on the Charlotte area community and CREW Charlotte.

 

Nikki Thornton, Controller at MECA Commercial Real Estate, received the Emerging Leader Award.  The Emerging Leader Award honors those CREW Charlotte individuals that embody excellence, spirit and energy in the field of Commercial Real Estate and the CREW Charlotte Chapter.

Nikki has been extremely active during her time with CREW by serving in multiple capacities including as a Board Member, and has served on numerous committees. She is an outstanding CREW CLT emerging leader!

Elsa Simaan of Stewart Title National Commercial Services was awarded The Carrie Sharp Power Connector Award. This award honors a CREW Charlotte member that goes above and beyond networking to actively establish or strengthen relationships with fellow CREW members and sponsors by intentionally connecting members and sponsors to other members and sponsors through business and referral generation.

This individual also demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to marshal CREW talent, resulting in measurable business for other CREW members or sponsors. This individual exemplifies the power and spirit of CREW and their efforts result in measurable CREW business.

Elsa is the embodiment of this award as she is continually driven and genuinely motivated to invest in the successful networking of her fellow CREW members.

Tonya Brandon of Cushman & Wakefield was the 2023 recipient of The Career Advancement for Women Award. This award honors a CREW Charlotte member who consistently exemplifies CREW Charlotte’s commitment to elevating the status of women in commercial real estate by working to advance the careers of other women. This award is presented as a result of actions of this individual that had a significant impact on one or more women, giving them the skills or confidence to pursue and succeed in new opportunities.

Tonya is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in commercial real estate.  For more than a decade, she has championed for elevated roles and compensation for women within her company.

Monika Nessbach, founder and Chief Interior Designer of DESIGNBAR is this year’s winner of The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.  This award honors a CREW Charlotte member who achieved a unique career success or milestone as the result of an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit. This individual is often a risk taker and is willing to step outside the box to create something new or different – providing services, creating products or improving practices by innovatively organizing, developing or deploying resources either within their own company, as part of a larger organization their industry or community.

Fourteen years ago, she embarked on a journey to start DESIGNBAR. Four years later she left her successful corporate career to put her heart and soul behind her dream. Along the way, she didn’t just build a company; she built a workplace that encourages authenticity, and creativity, an environment that embodies EPIC fun and where collaboration thrives.

 

The recipient of this year’s DEI Impact Award was Diana Palecek of Fox Rothschild. This award honors a CREW Charlotte member who tirelessly helps to advance the organization’s goals to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in membership and leadership.

Diana was nominated because she is helping to change the culture of CREW Charlotte by expanding our community cohort program to include a cohort centered on professionals with disabilities.

Camp North End was the unanimous winner of The Community Project Impact Award -for Profit. This award honors a building or project that positively affects not only its inhabitants, but the surrounding community. The winner of this award exemplifies meaningful change in our city in the physical space, whether it is a development with great green space or a building that services those in need in our community.

CREW Charlotte Silver Sponsor, Trinity Partners, provides leasing and property management services for the site. Other CREW Charlotte members participating with goods and services at Camp North End include: Barringer, Choate, Swinerton, Scotties, and O’Leary Waste.

 

Amy’s House, the new shelter for Lincoln County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCCADV) that was designed by SGA|NW in partnership with IMEG is the 2023 CREW Charlotte Community Project Impact Award – non-profit.  This award honors a building or project that positively affects, not only its inhabitants, but the community surrounding it. The winner of this award exemplifies meaningful change in our community in the physical space on the non-profit side.

This project relied on multiple CREW Charlotte members who contributed to its success.  Architects Kelly Steele and Krista Karlson of SGA|NW a GF design company, led the design.  They partnered with Scott Campagna and Marissa Date of IMEG for the MEP and Structural Engineering.  Carrie Sharp with Indoff Commercial Interiors assisted with providing comfortable and long-lasting furniture, and Lacey Johnson provided artistic and interior design direction to help the space feel welcoming.

 

The Creative Design Award winner for 2023 is the Gresham Smith Building.  Creative design of a building comes in many forms, including exterior architecture, interior design, art, branding and furnishings. How a space is designed immediately impacts people and their experience. This award goes to the project that inspires the world around it and moves the needle in creativity.

Marie McLucas, CFO of Primax Properties is the winner of The Circle of Excellence Award. This award recognizes a CREW Charlotte member or sponsor who consistently delivers excellence and whose efforts advance the commercial real estate industry and support our mission. This individual sets and achieves the highest standards of performance, accomplishing superior execution and results. The award winner is trusted and respected by others, and is seen as a thought leader, change agent, and champion of diversity.

Marie has served in several leadership roles within CREW Charlotte and CREW Network which culminated in her serving as president in 2017 and on the 2024 Board of Directors for CREW Network. She helped to create the inaugural CREW Charlotte’s Authentic Leadership Program in partnership with CREW Charlotte and Athena International and is a 2023 recipient of the Athena Leadership – Corporate Award.

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October 10, 2023 In Luncheon Summary

CREW’s October 2023 Luncheon: “Higher Ed Meets Healthcare”

Submitted by Beth Burleson, DOD Office Interiors

On Tuesday, October 10th, Hillary Crittendon, Dennis W. Miller, and Bennett Thompson introduced us to The Pearl – a mixed-use, innovation district combining office, retail, residential, a medical school and lab, and community gathering spaces.

Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and the North American home for IRCAD – an international experiential surgical training facility, will anchor this exciting innovative destination generating $81M to our local economy and over 11,000 job opportunities.

 

 

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August 10, 2023 In Luncheon Summary

August 2023 Luncheon “The River District: Charlotte’s Newest Master-Planned Community”

submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

The Crescent Communities River District team, consisting of Fran West, Jennifer Sharraba, Lisa Phocas, and partner Bart Landess of Catawba Lands Conservancy, captivated a full audience with an update on their ambitious project, The River District. Departing from the conventional suburban model, this visionary 1,400-acre sustainable community seamlessly blends urban elements like homes, retail, dining, offices, and educational facilities with the enchantment of parks, trails, woodlands, and the Catawba River.

The River District, “The Soul of a City in the Heart of Nature,” is set to encompass 2,300 homes, 2,350 multi-family units, 550 acres of open space, 1,000 hotel rooms, 500,000 square feet of retail space, and a vast 8 million square feet of commercial space. A pivotal feature, Project Breakpoint, a world-class tennis facility, will host an annual 2-week tennis tournament and 26 concerts, with the debut tournament scheduled for August 2026. Anchored by 30 parks, 30 miles of mountain biking trails, and a 2-acre working farm, this master planned development is conveniently situated within 5 miles of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, effortlessly connecting urban living to nature.

Environmental stewardship lies at the core of The River District, adhering to the One Planet Living principles through a comprehensive action plan addressing ten sustainability pillars. The collaboration with Catawba Lands Conservancy underscores the commitment to preservation, as evidenced by their in-depth nature study, fostering both existing and new wildlife habitats.

With its sprawling expanse, innovative components like Project Breakpoint, and unwavering dedication to sustainability, The River District stands poised to redefine community living while preserving and nurturing the environment.

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July 31, 2023 In Announcements & News, Press Releases

CREW Charlotte Creates Fund to Honor Anne Vulcano’s Legacy through CREW Network Foundation Scholarships

Anne Vulcano, a past president of CREW Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on July 23rd, 2023. CREW Charlotte has set up a memorial fund to honor Anne’s legacy through the CREW Network Foundation scholarship endowment. Contributions made in her honor will support future generations of female leaders and advance women in the industry.

Anne began working in the commercial real estate field in 1984. Anne spent just over a year working for The Bissell Companies where she was responsible for the development of the commercial brokerage unit.

She began working at CBRE in 1997, where she spent the majority of her career and was the top leasing broker for decades.  In 2020, Anne moved over to Cushman & Wakefield as a brokerage specialist. Cushman & Wakefield Managing Principal, Brett Gray, says Anne “is best remembered as a friend, mentor to many and one tough woman.”

Anne was considered a trailblazer in the office leasing space and the commercial real estate industry as a whole. She forged a path for other women to follow. She worked hard and had very high standards for herself and her team.

Anne served on the board of CREW Charlotte for several years and as President in 2000. During this time, CREW Charlotte became affiliated with CREW Network. She played a large role in making CREW Charlotte what it is today.

In 2021, she was awarded the CREW Charlotte award for Career Advancement for Women, which honors a member who consistently exemplifies CREW Charlotte’s commitment to elevating the status of women in commercial real estate by working to advance the careers of other women. Anne always wanted to have other smart, professional women on her team, so she made the decision to hire and mentor them.  As she said …. “I’d like to say that I went out of my way to find them, but there are so many awesome women out there that I didn’t have to look hard.”  

Personally, Anne loved to spend time traveling or with family. Anne’s LinkedIn tagline says, “My passion is foreign and active travel and I have made many real estate deals via cellphone from remote locations.”

Here are a few quotes from CREW Charlotte members who were deeply impacted by Anne both personally and professionally.

“When Anne came to one of her 1st CREW meetings, I was on the board. Her enthusiasm about the group was infectious. She was instrumental in taking CREW to the next level. What a remarkable woman!” –Carol Fortenberry

“I recall being so inspired by her tenacity and unwillingness to not be heard, to not have a seat at the table   – she gave me the confidence to push for the same.” – Mary Wilken, 2022 CREW Charlotte President

“Anne was one of my absolute favorite people in the world. I am so so sad, it’s truly a tragedy to lose her friendship and guidance.” – Stephanie Moore

 

Click here to donate in Anne’s memory.

 

 

 

 

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June 19, 2023 In Luncheon Summary

June 2023 Luncheon – The State of CLT

Submitted by Meg Davis, Office Environments

 

Assistant City Manager Tracy Dodson spoke on “The State of CLT” at CREW’s luncheon on June 13,  giving attendees a comprehensive look at upcoming projects the city has invested in as well as diving into her strategy for recruiting companies to the area.

While sharing some of Charlotte’s recent accolades (CLT was recently ranked #8 Best City to Live by U.S. News & World Report), Tracy dove into how they align with Select CLT to entice companies to the area. She shared some recent announcements such as Albemarle Corp., ACC, alpitronic, The Bank of London, Rexroth, Solve, RXO, Columbus McKinnon, USAA and Ircad France. These announcements reflect a $300m capital investment, 1,500 new and retained jobs, and 1.5m square feet of office under construction.

Large economic development projects that the city has invested in include Project Break Point/River District, Charlotte Transportation Center, and Eastland Mall Redevelopment. Project Break Point, or more commonly referred to as the River District, is a 1,400-acre project near the airport that will include single-family, multifamily, along with retail, office, schools, and potentially a world-class tennis stadium. The Charlotte Transportation Center project boasts of bringing the bus station underground to allow for more street-level retail and office space. Eastland Mall Redevelopment project is currently looking for a project to develop the 30 acres that Tepper Sports & Entertainment originally planned to build a Charlotte FC practice facility on. Current options include an indoor sports complex and an events and esports center.

Corridors of Opportunity is another initiative the city has undertaken, outlining the often forgotten communities and ensuring they become safe and prosperous communities. The six key corridors are Graham Street/North Tryon, Sugar Creek Road, Albemarle Road, Beattie’s Ford/Rozelles Ferry Road, West Boulevard and Freedom Drive/Wilkinson Boulevard. The projects vary from each corridor and include affordable housing, community safety, infrastructure, transportation, workforce and business development, and urban design.

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