Charlotte, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The River District, a vast master-planned community in west Charlotte, has celebrated its grand opening. Spanning 1,400 acres, this innovative development combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces with a focus on sustainability. With plans for over 4,600 townhomes and a variety of amenities that promote walkability, The River District aims to create an integrated living experience for future residents. The unique community has also received the One Planet Living designation for its environmental benefits.
Charlotte
The River District, a massive master-planned community in west Charlotte, celebrated its grand opening on Saturday. This innovative development spans 1,400 acres, located between the Catawba River and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The River District is designed to be self-contained, expertly merging neighborhoods with nature and businesses while emphasizing sustainability.
Joe Schotts and Julia Ryan are among the first residents of this emerging community, expressing their excitement about the planned parks, walking trails, and the convenience of nearby amenities. As part of the River District, developers have outlined plans for over 4,600 townhomes, commercial and retail spaces, a hotel, an assisted living facility, a grocery store, and a school, creating an integrated living experience.
The emphasis on walkability within the community is a significant draw, ensuring that essential amenities are within easy walking distance. According to Rayner Thicken, senior managing director at Crescent Communities, the goal is to welcome 50 residents by the end of 2025, with full completion of the community anticipated within 8 to 10 years.
The grand opening event featured live music, various food trucks, raffles, and giveaways aimed at attracting local residents. Attendees had the opportunity to tour model homes and townhomes, showcasing The River District’s thoughtful design and lifestyle offerings.
This sustainable community has received the One Planet Living designation, which is a rare accolade for developments prioritizing environmental sustainability. Recognized as the third North American project and the first in the South to receive this distinction, the One Planet Living framework centers around health, economy, climate, community, and environmental sustainability.
To underscore its commitment to sustainability, approximately 500 acres of green space will be preserved within the River District. Plans include planting thousands of trees to enhance local biodiversity and overall aesthetics. Furthermore, over 30 miles of walking and biking trails will be woven throughout the community, promoting an active lifestyle.
A 2-acre urban farm is also slated for establishment, managed by an onsite farmer to supply crops for local markets and restaurants. Central to the community is a pavilion featuring an event lawn, farmers’ market, and lifestyle building for resident use, along with access to outdoor activities along the Catawba River, including kayaking and paddleboarding.
The River District will cater to diverse income levels by including a variety of housing options, such as both multi-family and single-family homes. Plans are underway for a multifamily development known as NOVEL River District, which will encompass 318 units. Additionally, an affordable housing complex offering 87 units for residents earning 80% of the area median income is also being planned.
Single-family construction will be undertaken by a selection of builders, with model homes expected to be completed by summer. Overall, the community aims to encompass around 5,000 homes, millions of square feet of office space, half a million square feet of retail, and 1,000 hotel rooms over the next decade.
Crescent Communities is committed to responsible development, focusing on growth alongside environmental stewardship. Development for The River District began in 2016, with official construction starting in 2023, and is expected to evolve over the next decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The River District?
The River District is a massive master-planned community in west Charlotte designed to be self-contained and emphasizes sustainability.
How large is The River District?
The River District covers 1,400 acres, located between the Catawba River and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
What types of housing will be available in The River District?
The community will include over 4,600 townhomes, and plans include both multi-family and single-family homes catering to various income levels.
What amenities will The River District offer?
Amenities will include commercial and retail spaces, a hotel, an assisted living facility, a grocery store, parks, and over 30 miles of walking and biking trails, along with a 2-acre urban farm.
When is the expected completion date for The River District?
Full completion of The River District is expected within 8 to 10 years.
Key Features of The River District
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 1,400 acres |
| Residential Units | Over 4,600 townhomes, 5,000 homes planned |
| Amenities | Commercial spaces, grocery store, hotels, parks |
| Sustainability | One Planet Living designation, 500 acres of green space |
| Environmental Features | 30+ miles of trails, 2-acre urban farm |
| Target Completion | 8 to 10 years |
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Additional Resources
- WCNC News: River District Celebrates Grand Opening
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- WSOC TV: River District Grand Opening
- Google Search: Charlotte River District
- Charlotte Observer: River District Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- PR Newswire: River District Sustainability Achievement
- Google News: River District Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
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