On Track: Construction of Charlotte Transit-Oriented Development

By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer

Charlotte, N.C.—Construction is now underway on the Fountains at New Bern Station, a 208-unit luxury rental community in Charlotte, N.C.‘s historic South End. The $26.2 million, environmentally friendly development is located at the New Bern Light Rail Station on the LYNX Blue Line and is being developed by Charlotte-based multifamily real estate and development firm Proffitt Dixon Partners.

The development recognizes that today’s renters seek lifestyle and convenience in their apartment choices. “In this case, the light rail enhances both,” Proffitt Dixon managing principal Stuart Proffitt tells MHN. “We will continue to see people looking to rent where they have convenient access to entertainment and jobs. Quality public transit can provide that convenient access.”

The community will also benefit from energy-efficient design and construction, says managing principal Wyatt Dixon. Fountains at New Bern Station was designed to achieve the National Association of Home Builders’ Green Certification, helping keep utility costs to a minimum and diminishing the building’s environmental impact, according to Dixon.

Fountains at New Bern Station will feature studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, as well as loft units. Residences will offer stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, built-in microwaves, ceiling fans, controlled access entry and French doors leading to private patios and balconies. Kitchen islands, linen closets, computer workstations and 12- to 14-foot-high ceilings will be features in some of the residences. A namesake fountain will anchor the community, and the grounds will also include a salt-water swimming pool with lap lane, a multi-level sundeck grilling area, fire pit and a courtyard.

In the 6,000-square-foot clubhouse, residents will be able to take advantage of Wi-Fi, gourmet demonstration kitchen and entertainment area featuring billiards, gaming and fireside indoor lounging. Cardio and weight stations, as well as separate yoga and cross fit room, will be among the fitness center‘s features.

One of the most distinctive facets of the community is a “light rail lobby” located about 50 feet from the New Bern Station platform.

“It’s so close that residents can wait comfortably in the lobby, protected from the weather, until the crossing arms begin to flash, signaling their train’s approach,” Proffitt reports. “In the mornings, they can relax and enjoy the coffee bar and morning news; in the evenings they can socialize before heading on the town.”
As has been the case at Proffitt Dixon’s other developments, the company sought a competitive advantage when evaluating the opportunity presented by Fountains at New Bern Station. A location immediately adjacent to a station on Charlotte’s light rail system provided just such an advantage, and a sustainable one at that, Proffitt reports. “[It] will increase in value as Charlotte becomes more dense, and as the light rail system grows,” he says.