HARRISBURG, N.C. — One of Charlotte's fastest-growing communities is about to get a major economic boost.
A developer is turning an industrial park into a new retail center to attract businesses needed in Harrisburg.
Caldwell Crossings is being built off Highway 49 and Caldwell Road on a lot that had been considered an eyesore for years.
The intersection of Caldwell Road and Highway 49 is the western gateway into Harrisburg from Charlotte and is also the location of the first crossing of the future high-speed rail line east of Interstate 485.
Construction has begun on the 85,000-square-foot center with an anticipated opening date in late fall 2015.
"We saw a demand here and feel we have the best site in the market," said development manager Jackson Smith.
The high-end retail center will include a new Harris Teeter and 26,000-square-feet for shops and restaurants.
"There's a full list of options. The plate is clean and we are excited about bringing a new level of service and dining options to the town of Harrisburg," said Smith.
Town Administrator Mike Rose said the project brings balance to Harrisburg that has experienced a boom of housing complexes being built.
"We've seen a lot of residential growth taking place in recent times and a lot of demand for this area," said Rose.
The town recently hired an economic developer who will work on attracting big-city business to compete with Charlotte.
"That's going to help us explore what our true target markets are. What other types of businesses are going to thrive," said Rose.
WSOC
