The Metropolitan Shopping Center is currently undergoing a makeover that should be a boon for shoppers and shops alike. The project has begun and completion is projected for this summer. Northwood Investors purchased the Metropolitan and the surrounding land in 2020 and are working on this project as well as a makeover/overhaul in Ballantyne. The project should have been completed by now, it was originally planned for 2021, but due to Covid and supply issues, delays have occurred.
So far, we know that the plan will warm up the feel of the development and will also improve signage and upgrade the entrances. Shoppers will be able to keep shopping during construction, just expect some temporary barriers around the heaviest parts of the construction project.
The Metropolitan originally opened in 2008 and was important to the many people who had moved to Uptown Charlotte who had to travel to the suburbs for a lot of their shopping needs. The Metropolitan changed all of that with West Elm, Target, and many other businesses. There are also Condominiums as part of the space so it is truly a work and live destination. It was revolutionary at the time, but now there are many other examples where retail, restaurants, and wellness are included in housing projects.
West Elm has since moved out of the Metropolitan, and it has not yet been announced who will be taking over their space. There are many existing tenants that are not going anywhere, including Trader Joe’s. In addition, Open Rice will fill one of the larger spaces with 7,500 square feet. Northwood expects to fill vacancies with entertainment, gastropubs, home furnishing and much more. Health, beauty, and wellness businesses may fill in many of the smaller gaps. There are also many other options for shopping and dining right nearby including the Midtown Target.
Over the past year, 16 homes changed owners within the Metropolitan. They ranged in price from $215,000 for a studio unit with one bathroom and 543 square feet, to $567,500 for a 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom with 1,696 square feet. There are currently no homes on the market, but as the spring heats up, we expect at least a few homes to be listed.
Living in the Metropolitan has you close to more than just shopping, dining, wellness, and entertainment. Residents also live right on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The greenway is part of the larger greenway system connecting to the Cross Charlotte Trail and is part of the Carolina Thread Trail. This connects the Midtown location of the Metropolitan with all parts of the wider Charlotte region and is great for nature and fitness combined.
The Metropolitan is a great central place to land if you are new to the Charlotte area. A commute to a job Uptown will take just a few minutes and highway access is nearby via I-277 to connect you with surrounding parts of the city. There is public transportation and dedicated parking for each unit for your car.
