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Originally Posted by lrt's friend
I have never been to Charlotte (other than the airport). Is light rail re-vitalizing the city centre? I notice from the map that downtown has been choked by a ring highway.
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I wouldn't say light rail is revitalizing the city center, as it is/was already booming. There was a drop off during the recession, but now there are I think at least 5 20+ floor towers under construction and another 3 or so planned. (Check out the Charlotte thread in City Compilations)
The big impact has been the Southend district. It's the area just south of the ring highway (I-277). It was a long time neglected warehouse district that was mostly empty warehouses and empty lots. There has been a ton of residential development here since the light rail opened and it isn't slowing down. Several 10+ floor office and residential towers are planned along with the infill.
