CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Douglas International Airport leaders are kicking off a project that could revolutionize the area around the airport, turning it into a destination in and of itself.
The announcement comes as Charlotte Douglas and the Queen City continue to experience rapid growth.
The CLT Destination District will act as the front door to Charlotte's airport, forming a link between Interstate 85 to the north and the airport to the south.
The 90-acre vacant land outside of the airport is now being looked at by airport officials as dollar signs and a front door to the Queen City.
Charlotte's Assistant Airport Director Stuart Hair said the area will be divided into two categories: Destination District Central and Destination District East.
“There is a need in our market, the number our consultants came up with is over 10 food and beverage concepts," Hair said.
Destination District Central will be 39 acres and it will be filled with hotels, restaurants and shops.
Destination District East, the remaining 51 acres, will be a spot for distribution and manufacturing centers. Airport officials said they took inspiration from Dallas Fort Worth, Phoenix Sky Harbor and Tampa International Airports.
Ultimately, the airport had to go back to the drawing board after the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Because of COVID, we have an office component that was no longer valid in the post-COVID world," Hair said.
Officials will accept proposals from those wanting to build on the land from Jan. 25 to Feb. 22. Those proposals will detail how those companies plan to use the 90 acres of land along Josh Birmingham Parkway and Stafford Drive. They will then select the proposals and take them to Charlotte City Council this fall.
Projects at or around the airport could make some feel weary due to traffic congestion. Hair said those concerns are valid but added that the airport is working ahead of that.
"Redoing infrastructure will be appropriate for the development of the district," Hair said.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.