Archive for the ‘NoDa’ Category

Happenings in NoDa – D.C. Developer Wins Bid on Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills Project

Friday, April 15th, 2011

Charlotte residents living in or around NoDa can expect some changes soon.

“A Washington – based nonprofit developer is the final bidder to purchase two historic mill buildings in NODA from the City of Charlotte. The Community Builders’ winning offer is just over $1.2 million – twice what it initially bid for the Johnston and Mecklenburg Mills site,” says Julie Rose of Charlotte’s WFAE 90.7.

Rob Fossi, The Community Builders’ vice president, stipulates that federal grants and affordable housing tax credits will likely play a part in financing the renovations. The plan for the old mill buildings is redevelopment, not demolition, and the construction of affordable housing for Charlotte residents.

“The City of Charlotte is requiring that The Community Builders make at least 20 percent of the units affordable,” says Rose. Fossi notes that because of the bidding war and inflated purchase price, there will likely be fewer affordable units than planned.

Some locally – based developers were outbid for the job. Here’s the high bid history from Charlotte’s Neighborhood and Business Services website:

• February 11, 2011
$610,000 – The Community Builders
• February 21, 2011:
$925,000 – Merrifield Patrick Vermillion, LLC
• March 3, 2011
$1,025,000 – The Community Builders
• March 14, 2011
$1,127,500 – Merrifield Patrick Vermillion, LLC
• March 24, 2011
$1,240,250 – The Community Builders

If you’re looking for a Charlotte rental property, stay abreast of these developments in NoDa. Fossi says most of the units will be rented to tenants, not sold outright.

However, properties in Charlotte’s art district are diverse. If you’re considering a move to NoDa – whether you’re looking for a condo, single family home or apartment – contact Realtor Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

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NoDa Appeals to Parents

Monday, January 17th, 2011

You might think of NoDa, arguably Charlotte’s most funky neighborhood (home to many art galleries and trendy businesses) as being a place only for young hipsters. However, it’s a surprisingly kid-friendly place.

According to its website, NoDa [short for North of Davidson Street] was an area of textile mills until about 1903-1975. It was largely abandoned for years, until a revival of the area in the mid-1980’s.

Now it’s a place with an eclectic mix of housing. There are new homes with all the modern amenities, and older homes built in the early 1900’s, many of which have been renovated. There are also duplexes and apartments.

NoDa is a place where art, music, and unique businesses thrive. NoDaRioty, the arts committee of the Historic North Charlotte Neighborhood Association, is a non-profit and the voice of the NoDa district. It “aims to promote dialog among NoDa businesses, the artist community, and patrons all over Charlotte, “ according to its website. NoDaRioty ran an arts market in December 2010 to showcase local artists.

The Neighborhood Theater, originally built in 1946, offers a mix of kid movies and live music. (See http://www.neighborhoodtheatre.com/ for more information.)

NoDa School of Arts offers kids the opportunity to develop their talents in music, theater, dance, and art. Founded in 2005, the school is a non-profit that puts on full-scale theater productions like The Wiz and South Pacific. They also offer after-school classes and workshops. Children can participate just for fun, or to prepare for a career in the arts.

Other businesses that are focused on children are Thompson Child Development Center, Highland Mill Montessori School, and Johnston YMCA. Even the restaurants in NoDa the area are conducive to kid dining, for instance Tasty-Yo frozen yogurt and Smelly Cat Coffee House.

Kids in NoDa even have their own Facebook group for activities and resources, called “NODA KIDS.”

Despite its reputation as an area primarily for artists, NoDa has a lot to offer families with kids, too. Check it out.

If you’re looking for a home in the NoDa area, call Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

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Activity in NoDa – Charlotte’s Historic Arts District

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

The back and forth between developers, investors and bidders over two historic buildings in downtown NoDa may soon come to a halt. According to the Charlotte Business Journal, NoDa’s city and neighborhood development committee has approved a bidding process by which two buildings – the Johnston and Mecklenburg mill buildings – will be sold.

This isn’t the first time these two properties have garnered attention. While working to approve a bidding process, the development committee was sitting on a $600,000 offer from The Bainbridge Cos. and developer Jim Sari.

Charlotte has put plenty of money into the historic mill buildings over the past years. The Business Journal cites, “The city has already invested heavily in the mills over the years: $3.8 million in Johnston Mill and $2.9 in Mecklenburg Mill. In January 2007, the city valued the nearly 8-acre site at $3.12 million.”

For this reason, and because the property sits alongside an area fit for building a light-rail station in the future, Councilman Michael Barnes defends that the mill buildings are worth far more than $600,000. However, the development committee has agreed to bid out the buildings “with minimum restrictions,” says the Business Journal.

Some of these restrictions include the preservation of the property for at least ten years, as well as a stipulation that 20 percent of the units restored must be reserved for low – income residents.

NoDa is a thriving, eclectic Charlotte neighborhood. In addition to restored, historic apartments – like those that will occupy the mill buildings – there are condos and single family homes in a wide array of prices and styles.

NoDa is also known as the city’s arts district, and rightfully so. Some of the features that distinguish NoDa are its galleries, theaters, farmer’s markets, restaurants and community-centered focus.

If you’re considering relocating to the Charlotte area and want to live somewhere with a fresh, energetic and creative vibe, contact a realtor to who specializes in the NoDa neighborhood. You can also visit their website at noda.org to stay current with community events and news.

To check out homes in Charlotte’s NoDa neighbhorhood, contact Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

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Navigating NoDa – Charlotte’s Creative Center

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Whether you meet with the Historic North Charlotte Neighborhood Association on the 1st Tuesday of each month to discuss the preservation of NoDa’s dynamic community, or you simply like to swing by the Cabo Fish Taco for after-work margaritas with friends, Charlotte’s artistic NoDa district offers a place for everyone.

After the collapse of the textile industry in the mid 1970s, this area became practically invisible on the North Carolina’s map. The 1980s brought with it a wealth of young artists and visionaries who worked to restore the community by teaming with local businesses, old mill owners and neighbors. Today, the structural makeup of NoDa is as assorted as its society. It offers an array of galleries, theaters, restaurants and shops support its citizens that stroll from bungalows, hip condos and its burgeoning residential area.

Real estate is prime in this neat Charlotte neighborhood. Whether you’re an artist looking for a studio to rent, couple hoping to score an urban condo with rooftop terrace, or family seeking a quiet, pet-friendly, first-time home, NoDa’s offerings are sure to satisfy your needs.

Special events abound in the NoDa community, working to keep its members connected. On February 5th, the Center of the Earth Gallery will welcome guests to enjoy a selection of painting, collage and sculpture from a collective of artists. The dining scene is not overlooked in NoDa and is as diverse, if not more so, as the art sector.

Casual creole at Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen, endless crepes at the Crepe Cellar Kitchen & Pub, Mediterranean fare at Revolution and a dog-friendly space to enjoy NoDa’s best brews, The Dog Bar, are just a few selections lining the streets.

So no matter what sort of living space you’re looking for, as long as it’s couched in a community that cultivates creativity, diversity and positive energy, there is a piece of real estate waiting for you in Charlotte’s NoDa district.

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An Art Community With Charming Charlotte Homes

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Whether you’re an artist or appreciator of art, living in an artistic community is enlightening. The joy of being surrounded by other art fans and creators creates an environment where you can truly thrive. Consider charming Charlotte homes in the notoriously arty community NoDa.

NoDa is known as the historic district of Charlotte where afficionados gather to appreciate artistic entertainment and fine dining. Eclectic NoDa homes offer a street scene like SoHo attracting more artists to the community every year.

Located just two miles from Uptown, NoDa offers art galleries, venues for performing arts, funky boutiques, fabulous coffee houses and irresistible cuisine. Grab a crispy pizza, chow down on spicy Cajun or feast on Southwestern delights. Fantastic NoDa homes including hip condos, beautiful bungalows and luxury townhouses with arty appeal.

Living in an artistic community puts you in the center of the artistic excitement. In a NoDa home you’re just a few steps away from your favorite hot spots. Artists appreciate the creative vibe to inspire their own work.

Settle into an artistic, historic town with all the good stuff right at your fingertips. Artists on every budget can afford an inviting NoDa home. With competitive housing prices and lower interest rates on mortgages, it’s a good time to consider buying a NoDa home of your own.

If you want to spend around $550,000, consider a gracious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath NoDa home with a front porch, deck, patio, open kitchen/family, chef’s gas stove, formal dining room and a zoned office professional space perfect for working at home.

For those looking to spend closer to $300,000, check out a renovated 4 bedroom, 2 bath NoDa bungalow with a large wrap around front porch, balcony/patio on the 2nd floor overlooking a park, open floor plan, kitchen with center island and stainless appliances, hardwood floors, custom lighting, new plumbing and electric and a master bedroom with private bath and walk-in closet.

If your budget is around $200,000, view a unique 3 bedroom, 1 bath NoDa home with an open floor plan, granite counter tops in the kitchen, bamboo cabinets, stainless steel appliances, deck and huge backyard for entertaining.

To find out more about artistically alluring NoDa homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

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Charlotte Real Estate Recovery

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

In a market with lowered prices, homeowners and potential Charlotte home buyers wonder when the prices will go up. Nobody can be sure but the Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Florida recently conducted a survey about real estate market potential.

Respondents expect housing pricing will stabilize then rise. Current conditions, such as lowered interest rates on mortgage loans, are increasing demand. The real estate market climb is expected to be steep and long as people wait for the job market to improve. Smaller Charlotte homes are being bought and built to minimize utility bills.

A small Charlotte home offers privacy without costly utility bills. Timothy Becker, center director for the Bergstrom Center, stated, “I think the energy crisis has got them thinking, ‘Do I really need something so big?’”

Shop around for a small Charlotte home and take advantage of the lower interest rates on mortgage loans. When the real estate market recovers, home prices will begin to rise again. Buying now gives you an opportunity to get a good price on a great Charlotte home.

If your budget for a quaint abode is around $500,000, check out an Historic 2 bedroom, 2 bath Dilworth home with a classic southern front porch, hardwoods and porcelain, 10′ ceilings, renovated kitchen, stainless appliances, updated plumbing and electrical, air conditioning, 2 fireplaces and a fenced garden backyard with a deck.

For those looking to spend closer to $250,000, consider a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath Madison Park home with hardwood floors, kitchen with new ceramic tile, stainless appliances, 2 car garage with workshop area, hot tube with cover as part of deck, updated windows and new water heater on a fenced lot.

Home buyers with a budget around $150,000 will appreciate a 3 bedroom, 1 bath NoDa bungalow with creative style including newly refinished cabinets, breakfast bar with pendant light, huge laundry off the kitchen, original preserved hardwood floor and a big fenced backyard.

To find out more about an efficient, small Charlotte home of your own, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

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Are You The NoDa Home Type?

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Often referred to as the little sister to Soho, NoDa is an eclectic Charlotte venue for artists and the people who enjoy them. A NoDa home is nestled among the city’s finest galleries, performance locations and restaurants. Once a historic mill village, NoDa is now one of the funkiest spots in Charlotte.

Are you considering buying your own NoDa home in the center of Charlotte’s Historic Art District? This short quiz will help you decide whether you are the NoDa home type:

-Do you enjoy being just a few minutes away from southwest cuisine, pizza, Cajun cooking and more?

-Are you likely to spend an afternoon off from work touring art galleries or appreciating one of your favorite performers?

-Do you like to sit in coffee houses, sip a latte and simply watch the people go by?

-Are you inspired by just being around other people who enjoy all different kinds of artistic pursuits?

-Do you appreciate a touch of nostalgia, delicious dining and plenty of fun entertainment options every day of the week?

If you said yes to any of the above questions, you’re an ideal candidate for a NoDa home. Own a house where history and modern convenience artistically meet. For those with good credit, mortgage interest rates are reaching record lows. Whether your budget is around $150,000 or over $400,000, the perfect Charlotte home is waiting for you.

Be the first to move into a beautiful new 2-story NoDa home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths for around $450,000. New construction allows you to choose the design, colors and features you prefer. Enjoy gracious living in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath NoDa home with granite counter tops, plenty of closet space and a huge backyard from about $350,000.

If your budget is closer to $250,000, move right into a 2 bedroom, 2 bath NoDa bungalow featuring a stained glass window and class wraparound porch. Imagine yourself living in a darling 2 bedroom, 1 bath NoDa Charlotte home with its own fenced backyard.

For more information about one-of-a-kind NoDa homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

 

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Top Ten Ways To Impress Charlotte Home Buyers

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

 

Charlotte homes still sell well in a competitive market because of the charming, convenient location. When there are more homes for sale, sellers need to make their homes stand out among the competition. These top ten ways will impress buyers to make your Charlotte home more memorable.

Get rid of stuff. Junk, magazines, clutter and toys make your Charlotte home look smaller, messy and uninviting. Too much stuff makes it tough for buyers to visualize the home their way.

Smell before you sell. Does your Charlotte home smell unappealing from cooking odors, smoke, a litter box or other smelly stuff? Be aware of odors and take action to eliminate them.

Eliminate family photos. Examine your walls and take down family photos and other personalized wall hangings so buyers aren’t visually distracted.

Color your world. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and baseboards revamps the atmosphere and makes everything look cleaner.

Update moldings. New, decorative moldings are an affordable way to spruce up entry areas, windows and walls.

Repair that leaky faucet. You might not be able to afford to renovate the bathroom but minor repairs like fixing a leaky faucet make a major difference.

Make your house green. A green Charlotte home includes energy efficient appliances and renovations such as new windows to make it more affordable and efficient to maintain.

Fix the floors. Updated flooring and carpeting make your Charlotte home look well-maintained to prospective buyers.

Have curb appeal. Make sure the entry to your Charlotte home is neat and attractive so buyers want to see more.

Be realistic. Discuss the listing price of your Charlotte home with a professional so you know what to expect and how negotiable you should be.

Many Charlotte homes are listing for over $350,000. Consider a 3 bedroom, 2 bath Noda home listing for over $360,000 or a 3 bedroom, 2 bath Wilmore home listing at around $350,000. There are also a variety of Charlotte homes listing for over $500,000. With first time home buyer tax credits, there are more buyers looking for a great Charlotte home that you might think.

To find out more about selling or buying a charming Charlotte homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

 

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Charlotte Colonial Homes – History With A Modern Touch

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Charlotte colonial homes offer the perfect fusion of antiquity with modern amenities. Bring history together with a modern touch when you settle into your own gracious Charlotte colonial home. Since the late 1600s, Americans chose the spacious comfort of colonial homes with fireplaces, yards, porches and storage sheds.

Originally wealthy Americans built colonial homes throughout New England and the Southern colonies. The first colonial houses were a single story with a hall, parlor and chimney. By the 1700s, colonial homes had two stories with a central hall and a staircase. A two-story Charlotte colonial home today typically has a square shape, central door and a stairway leading to a hallway and upstairs bedrooms. With front porches, fenced yards and green gardens, a Charlotte colonial home is great for entertaining outdoors as well as indoors.

If your budget for a Charlotte colonial home is around $2,000,000 to $1,000,000, your choices are quite attractive. Consider a fabulous 5 bedroom, 5 bath Myers Park colonial home with all the bells and whistles for under $2,000,000. For closer to $1,000,000, move right into a gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath Dilworth colonial home with a 2-car garage and screened porch.

For those with a budget around $500,000, there are many attractive colonial homes with charming features in excellent Charlotte locations. Check out a NoDa colonial style home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a designer kitchen with recessed lighting. Another great option is a custom built Plaza Midwood colonial style home with 3 large bedrooms, 4 baths, ceramic tile and wall-to-wall carpets.

A variety of lovely Charlotte colonial homes are available if your budget is between $150,000 to $300,000. Imagine yourself living in a brand new Belmont colonial home with 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, ceramic tile and wall-to-wall carpet for around $300,000. Move into a welcoming new 2-story Villa Heights home with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths and a front porch conveniently location just five minutes from Uptown Charlotte.

For more information about beautiful Charlotte colonial homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Belmont, Dilworth, Myers Park, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Uptown 1st Ward, Uptown 3rd Ward, Villa Heights | No Comments »

How Much Charlotte Home Can You Afford?

Friday, April 10th, 2009

 

With everyone working within a strict budget these days, exactly how much Charlotte home can you afford? There are simple ways to calculate your purchasing power to buy the Charlotte home of your dreams. With a variety of homes in all price categories, there are more options than you might think on each end of the pricing spectrum.

What is the basic formula followed to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a Charlotte home? The traditional method of calculation is to make sure your monthly mortgage payment, property taxes and homeowners insurance are between 25 to 36 percent of your gross monthly income. 

This is a broad range depending on how many other debts you carry. If you are paying off student loans or credit cards, you want to play closer to 25 percent. If you are not carrying other debts, it is possible to go up to 36 percent of your income for a Charlotte home.  Always consider utilities, transportation and other necessary expenses when you calculate how much home you can afford.

Whether your budget for a Charlotte home is $100,000 or $1,000,000, there are many gracious choices. With around $100,000, you can afford a lovely Wesley Heights high rise home with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, ceramic tile, wall to wall carpets and amazing views. For about $130,000, move into an attractive 3 bedroom, 1 bath Villa Heights home with new paint and restored hardwoods.

If your budget is closer to $250,000, appreciate the amenities in a sensational 3-story condo. This lovely Uptown 1st Ward home has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, huge windows, hardwood floors, ten foot ceilings on the main floor, stainless appliances and private fenced patio with a small yard. For about $350,000, check out a 3 bedroom, 2 bath NoDa home with tall ceilings, granite countertops and a huge fenced yard.

There are beautiful Charlotte homes available for around $500,000. Consider a gorgeous Uptown 4th Ward townhouse with 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, gas fireplace, hardwood floors and fantastic skyline views. For about $1,000,000, move right into a breathtaking Myers Park home with 5 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, sunroom and fireplace.

For more information about all types of affordable Charlotte homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

 

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, Myers Park, NoDa, Uptown 1st Ward, Uptown 4th Ward, Villa Heights | No Comments »