North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Blue Ridge Atlantic Development has broken ground on The Barton South, a 140-unit affordable housing community in west Charlotte being developed in partnership with the city, LISC Charlotte/CHOIF, INLIVIAN, RBC Capital Markets, Bank OZK, Lument and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.
The project, located at 2120 Barton Blvd. in District 3, will include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for households earning 30% to 80% of the area median income. Twenty-eight units will include project-based vouchers. The site is within walking distance of two Lynx Blue Line stations, connecting residents to jobs, schools and city amenities.
“This is one of my favorite projects,” Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown said. Brown, who has lived in District 3 for 54 years, said developments like this help keep working families in the neighborhoods they love. “You deserve to be here, near jobs, near transit and near opportunity.”
Warren Wooten, assistant director of Housing & Neighborhood Services, said the development reflects persistence and collaboration. “We went through some challenges on this one and it took a minute to get it done, but nothing worth doing is easy,” he said. “With access to transit and nearby community resources like the CW Williams Clinic, The Barton South will be a great asset as we continue expanding mobility and housing options in Charlotte.”
LISC Charlotte Executive Director Ralphine Caldwell said the project shows the impact of sustained investment. “We’ve invested over $106 million in Charlotte since 2019, and developments like The Barton South are what that looks like on the ground,” she said. “These homes will serve our first-year teachers, our police officers, our firefighters — the people who keep this city running. We have to keep putting a face to affordable housing.”
Blue Ridge Atlantic President Chris Eisenzimmer called the milestone the result of long-term effort. “Housing is hard, and this project was no exception,” he said. “It has been a six-year labor of love that shows what true public-private partnership can achieve. We couldn’t be more thrilled to break ground today and look forward to welcoming families home next year.”
The Barton South will feature brick veneer and HardiePlank siding, along with amenities including a fitness center, multipurpose community room, computer station and craft/game room. Blue Ridge Atlantic will partner with local nonprofits to provide on-site programs focused on financial empowerment and long-term resident stability.