CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Historic Pineville may be on verge of a significant real estate development deal that would revitalize a large swath of land and bring an infusion of high-tech jobs to the community.
Charlotte-based LendingTree is strongly looking at establishing their new headquarters in Pineville on a 28-acre parcel of land currently owned by the town.
“Given LendingTree’s considerable growth since our 2016 purchase of two great buildings in SouthPark, our headcount projections have expanded significantly, and as a result, we are evaluating a number of alternatives, one being in Pineville,” the company said in a statement to Channel 9 on Friday.
The area being considered for development is the former Cone Mill property near the heart of downtown Pineville that has sat dormant for more than three decades.
“The opportunity to be a part of revitalizing Pineville’s former Cone Mill is something we are excited about, although we are still in the early evaluation stages,” LendingTree officials said. “If we can be part of restoring a historic building and the revitalization of the surrounding community in Pineville, we view that as a win-win opportunity with the community and our employees benefiting from our remarkable growth.“
LendingTree is currently ranked No. 3 on Fortune’s Fastest Growing Companies list. They are expected to hire hundreds of new employees on top of their current base of 575 that includes 434 workers based in Charlotte.
If the land deal moves forward, it would be the most significant economic development in Pineville’s 150-year history.
The town of Pineville declined to comment on Friday.
Residents expressed an overwhelmingly positive response when approached by Channel 9 with the news on Friday.
Most cite the positive economic impact it would have on the town. There were concerns about the impact on traffic in the community.
Several residents hoped that traffic problems would be addressed with the redevelopment.
A business manager said it was time to remove street parking and build a parking deck in downtown Pineville to begin with.
“We need a place for them to park. Parking on the street is not working,” said Alicia Griffith, who runs a local salon.
LendingTree sources said a full traffic analysis is part of their evaluation of the location. The company also indicated it is looking at creative solutions including an employee shuttle from the Blue Line Extension to their potential new campus.
LendingTree statement:
"Given LendingTree’s considerable growth since our 2016 purchase of two great buildings in SouthPark, our headcount projections have expanded significantly, and as a result we are evaluating a number of alternatives, one being in Pineville. The opportunity to be a part of revitalizing Pineville’s former Cone Mill is something we are excited about, although we are still in the early evaluation stages.
We are taking a very disciplined approach in deciding what option or options will best suit the needs for our employees, our shareholders and the community. If we can be part of restoring a historic building and the revitalization of the surrounding community in Pineville, we view that as a win-win opportunity, with the community and our employees benefiting from our remarkable growth.“
Cox Media Group
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