North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The Republic Family of Companies and Esen announced a joint venture to develop a mixed-use community at 700 and 800 Central Avenue in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood. The project will feature about 370 multifamily units and 3,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, with construction planned to begin in mid-2026.
The development is located just east of Uptown Charlotte at Central Avenue and Piedmont Street. Plaza Midwood, established in the early 1900s as the city’s first streetcar suburb, retains its historic character while offering walkable access to the city’s economic center. The project is designed to honor that history while meeting growing demand for modern, amenity-rich housing.
“We are thrilled to bring a project of this caliber to Plaza Midwood, a neighborhood that offers historic charm within reach of Charlotte’s economic center,” said Adam McMichael, managing director and Charlotte lead for Republic. “Charlotte’s demand for well-located, thoughtfully crafted housing continues to grow, and this project answers that need. For us, this is about more than building housing; it’s about welcoming new residents to one of the Southeast’s most desirable neighborhoods.”
Dave Boillot, chief investment officer of Esen, said the partnership reflects a shared vision for Charlotte. “We are incredibly excited to enter the Charlotte market alongside a partner with Republic’s track record,” he said. “We believe our Central Avenue project will set a new standard for living in Plaza Midwood.”
Republic, led by Chairman Richard Kramer, operates a diverse portfolio that includes Republic Properties Corporation and Republic Urban Properties. Esen, a newly formed venture led by experienced developers, focuses on urban projects grounded in purpose-driven design.