A Florida based developer is bringing Crystal Lagoons to Huntersville. The developer, Jake Palillo is about to start some community forums to get input on his project to transform 270 acres of farmland in Huntersville on Highway 73 between Highway 115 and Mayes Road. This proposed project would eventually include commercial, retail and residential components, but the centerpiece is a 10-acre freshwater lagoon surrounded by a 40-acre “modern lifestyle beach resort”. There will also be venues for weddings, conferences, and concerts.
Jake Palillo is the developer in charge of Bailey’s Glen in Cornelius, and Symphony Park which is under construction in Huntersville. On this project, he will be using technology created by Miami-based Crystal Lagoons. They have many patents for their technology to use environmentally friendly filtration that uses fewer chemicals and can create crystal clear water. The project will be sustainable, and will feature white sand to help create a “Carribbean-style environment” perfect for water sports, swimming, and sunbathing. This lower-cost filtration has been patented in 190 countries and can be used with sea water, fresh water, or brackish water.
Another Crystal Lagoon project is being developed by Disney in Arizona, but the one in Huntersville will be the first in North Carolina. The development is expected to include commercial, retail, and residential, and is expected to cost around $800 million to fully develop. The 270 acre project is substantially larger than Birkdale Village so has potential to be a showplace for Huntersville.
According to the developers plans, the club will include 250 custom built single-family homes. In addition, there will be 320 luxury apartments, 200 townhomes, and 412 luxury condominiums. A 200-room luxury hotel with private outdoor pools, a rooftop restaurant, and cocktail lounge will be the perfect spot to stay and enjoy the amenities. A future convention center is also part of the long range plan.
To get guests and residents to and from the lagoon, a trolley will run around the property. The trolley will also be able to transport guests to swimming pools, water sports, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, and sports fields. There will also be an indoor fitness center, health and wellness spa, yoga classes, pilates classes, aerobics, and dance classes on offer. In addition there will be greenway trails perfect for cycling, walking and running.
The current plans for food options include beach-side bites and a coffee bistro. There will also be a family food court in addition to swim-up bars at the lagoon.
The Crystal Lagoon project will also cater to people who need to work in addition to playing. There will be remote-working areas as a feature to the club. This will include co-working spaces, desks, and meeting rooms. There will also be study halls, computer labs, and creative spaces that will be available to guests, residents, and will have camps and classes. Child care will be available for up to four hours per day for 3-12 year olds.
The project includes not just Palillo, but his son Jake Palillo Jr., his son-in-law Brock Hullinger, Housing Studios architects, and Urban Design Partners landscape architects. If the zoning is approved, construction should start in 2024. The community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26th from 6:30-7:30 pm at 1994 University City Church Drive in Huntersville. There should also be a public hearing scheduled for June 5th at Town Hall at 6:30 pm. The Huntersville Planning Board and Huntersville Board of Commissioners will take up the issue on July 17th, also at Town Hall at 6:30 pm.
