Fun fact: Westrow homes will embody two styles: farm and town. Farm-style homes will use neutral color palettes and wraparound porches whereas town-style homes will boast contemporary features and darker neutral tones.
The River District will feature 5,000 single-family homes and market rate and affordable multi-family housing units along the banks of the Catawba River.
Rendering via Crescent Communities
Construction on model homes is expected to begin this month, with the first homes to be finished by the spring.
“The completion of these land closings brings us closer to delivering a variety of distinctive homes that reflect the unique character and values of The River District,” said Rainer Ficken, Senior Managing Director of The River District.
That’s Novel Books Silent Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Hex Coffee, Kitchen & Natural Wines | Free | Catch up on your latest read while sharing space with fellow bookworms.
Winter Woods Watercolor Paint & Brew | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Primal Brewery, Belmont | $36 | Get in an artsy groove creating watercolor paintings + tickets include the first beverage.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Jan. 22. That’s when Dogwood: A Southern Table is expected to open. Restaurateur Jon Dressler is reviving the former restaurant that closed in August 2023. Can’t wait to taste the shrimp and grits? The restaurant will host a ticketed “housewarming party” to benefit Giving Kitchen on Wednesday, Jan. 15. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Eat
Hungry for more? Pizzeria Sapienza is opening a second location in Dilworth. The restaurant at 2212 Park Rd. will take over the former Sal’s Pizza Factory location + serve favorites like pizza by the slice, wings, salads, and subs. (The Charlotte Observer)
Open
Vela Aesthetics & Mercantile is now open in South End. The holistic med spa at 1800 Camden Rd, Ste. 104 offers facials, brow tints, injectables, and micro-needling — all within a short walk from the Light Rail.
Civic
Charlotte City Council voted on a proposal to allocate more than $16 million for a new Rail Trail bridge over I-277. The bridge would connect Brooklyn Village Station to Carson Station in South End. Initially costing $11 million, that price tag has increased due to delays. (WCNC)
Listen
Bob Lacey, the co-host of the Charlotte-based “Bob & Sheri” radio show, is retiring at the end of the month. The pair have been broadcasting for 30+ years and will be reminiscing over favorite memories before Lacey says goodbye. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
The Peach Stand in Fort Mill, SC will temporarily close next month for renovations. The popular bakery, restaurant, and ice cream shop has been operating for 50+ years. The store is expected to reopen in March. (WCNC)
Feel Good
Neighbors helping neighbors. Thanks to the Avery County Young Professionals group, $40,000 was distributed to 84 families hit hard by Hurricane Helene. The funds helped with basic needs like fixing driveways, paying utility bills, and buying food and gas. (WCNC)
Number
$100,000. That’s how much ANSWER Scholarship received from the Principal Foundation to help the nonprofit provide college scholarships and mentoring for Charlotte mothers. The grant will be payable over the next two years. Check out their work + see how you can help.
Sports
Buzz City came up short against the Phoenix Suns, losing 120-113 despite a promising start. How can the team improve from here? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Edu
Thinking about new job opportunities by earning your MBA? Stop by tomorrow’s Wake Forest MBA Coffee Chat for casual conversations about MBA programs in Uptown Charlotte. Register for free.*
Active
This 28-day yoga challenge is specifically designed for women aged 40+, with transformative results (think: strength, flexibility, and mental clarity). Try Reverse Health Yoga and save 60%.*
Biz
Want more eyes on your business in 2025? Our self-service advertising portal is designed to help you reach our 31,896+ readers through listings, banner ads, and articles. Get started.
Category
Civic
💵 What’s your budget?
Mecklenburg County leaders previously adopted a $2.5 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year. | Photo via WCNC
Mecklenburg County’s Government Center will be abuzz next week when county staff meet for an important task ahead: setting the county’s next budget before the 2025-2026 fiscal year begins on July 1.
The first public budget hearing is set for Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is open for comment, allowing discussion on how funds should be allocated (such as property taxes, local schools, and environmental stewardship).
Pro tip: Mecklenburg County offers a budget simulator, illustrating various options to disperse funds into county services.
Following the hearing, the Board of County Commissioners will hold its annual budget retreat at the end of the month. County leaders will address fiscal policies and develop a recommended budget before presenting it on May 15. The next public hearing will be on May 22 before the budget is adopted on June 3.
The Buy
The Buy
A sleek, rust-proof shower caddy with 25,000+ five-star reviews. Bonus: It’s easy to install + can hold up to 20 lbs.
ICYMI, City Editor Jack and I went behind-the-scenes of “Hamilton” at Blumenthal Arts. We spoke to the show’s conductor about the hit show + he gave us a tour of the orchestra pit. Keep an eye on our Instagram — we’ve got two more interviews coming your way.
