Plans are flowing for The River District in west Charlotte

The 1,400-acre community along the Catawba River looks to soon become Charlotte’s latest residential hub with amenities boasting the natural landscape.

An artist rendering showcasing an aerial view of an upcoming residential development.

The River District development project will be located at 8311 Dixie River Rd. in West Charlotte.

Rendering via Crescent Communities

Fishing for a River District update? Expect big changes downstream.

The first phase of the 1,400-acre development in west Charlotte is moving at a steady current with the construction of apartments and ~2,300 single-family homes now underway. The first move-ins are projected to begin as early as summer 2025.

First proposed in 2016, The River District is aimed at transforming mostly forested land west of Charlotte Douglas International Airport and I-85 into a residential and commercial hub — combining the beauty of the Catawba River with convenient proximity to Uptown Charlotte. Crescent Communities, the developer of the project, hopes the project generates more than $5 billion a year.

An art rendering showing a couple walking their dog in an illustrated town square.

The River District’s first neighborhood will be Westrow. Considered the “town center,” Westrow will have amenities, a two-acre urban farm, and a potential grocery store.

Rendering via Crescent Communities

Progress began in the spring with two areas currently under construction: West Boulevard Extension and Westrow. The extension will be an entrance point to Westrow, the upcoming town center of The River District.

Charlotte may be one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, but in the midst of this urban renaissance, the District looks to set itself apart from being another “development story” in the Queen City.

An aerial shot of the Catawba River.

Upcoming outdoor recreation at The River District will include fishing, boating, cayaking, canoeing, and swimming spots along the Catawba River.

Photo via @theriverdist

Development plans aim to make the residential community compatible with the natural landscape. The River District team recently completed a bio-diversity study with Catawba Land Conservancy. It found 180+ species of animals and 217 plant species, leading to protected areas on the property for ongoing conservation.

Future amenities for residents and guests will include 30 miles of trails, a two-acre sustainable farm, an open-air farmer’s market, and last but not least — the first public riverfront park in the City of Charlotte.

Editor’s note: Every home will be pre-wired with 240-volt capacity in each garage for electric vehicles.

More from CLTtoday
Read up on weather predictions, power outages + travel and safety tips as a winter storm approaches the Charlotte region.
Chef Robin Anthony was the only chef in the Queen City to secure a nomination by the James Beard Awards as one of the best chefs in the Southeast.
The Charlotte Hornets will hold a retirement ceremony on Thursday, March 19, during the team’s game against the Orlando Magic.
The new development will pay homage to the former Eastland Mall while carving out space for new retailers, amenities, and residential spaces.
The civil rights leader visited the Queen City several times and spoke at Johnson C. Smith University.
On the rocks, neat, dirty, frozen, or zero proof — we’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best spots to grab a drink after work in Charlotte.
Morehead Street will have a community hub for gourmet eats, cocktails, and live entertainment by mid-March 2026.
A breakout season, record-setting plays, and a return to the postseason gave the Queen City plenty to cheer about — and restored belief in the team’s future.
The Ballantyne shop will be the first of two South Block locations coming to the Queen City in 2026.
Plot Twist aims to be the “cool older sister” behind Trope Bookshop, offering all-day coffees, cocktails, and a hangout space in the community.