Located along the Catawba River, the River District is a master-planned community years in the making. Backed by Crescent Communities, the development aims to be a self-contained, mixed-use neighborhood, combining residential homes, retail space, office centers, and extensive green areas.
“This is a true master plan,” said Rayner Thicken, Senior Managing Director at Crescent Communities. “It’s not just about housing. It’s lifestyle, employment center, and it’s a long runway.”
Homes Already Filling In
The River District welcomed its first wave of residents, with Joe Schotts and Julia Ryan among the first to move in. The couple was drawn to the area’s balance of urban convenience and natural surroundings.
“I didn’t want to live in a rural area, but [Joe] did,” Ryan shared. “So we felt nature intertwining with the city was the perfect thing for us.”
The couple’s townhouse is located near what will soon become riverfront parks, trails, and retail shops. For them and many future residents, the appeal lies in the community’s walkability and built-in amenities.
“Everything’s going to be in one area,” Schotts added. “Which is nice—we’ll have everything we need within walking distance.”
A Vision for the Future
Once fully complete, the River District will include:
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- Over 4,600 townhomes and residential units
- A hotel
- An assisted living facility
- A public school
- A grocery store
- Miles of nature trails and riverfront parks
- Extensive commercial and retail space
The goal is to create a live-work-play environment that reduces car dependency and encourages community connectivity.
Long-Term Plans
Crescent Communities expects about 50 residents to move in by the end of 2025, with a full buildout anticipated over the next 8 to 10 years.
While still in early stages, the River District represents a bold model for future development in Charlotte—one that doesn’t choose between growth and green space but instead integrates the two.
As the city continues to expand westward, this project could become a blueprint for building sustainable, inclusive, and walkable neighborhoods in the region and beyond.