Summit Farms is getting ready for the next step in opening a new 58-acre project that includes a working farm, commercial space, and low-density housing in Davidson at East Rocky River and Shearer Roads.
The company has moved into the public hearing phase today, which could set up a possible vote by the Davidson Board of Commissioners at their Aug. 22 meeting, according to Charlotte Business Journal. If the plans are approved, the space will include 62,000 square feet of commercial space, a 40-room boutique inn and a barn for events, and 109 total residential units, including 12 affordable housing units. The retail side of the development hopes to open in early 2025.
While Summit Farms will offer plenty of space for residents and events, the retailer’s aspect is the most exciting. Summit Coffee, led by CEO Brian Helfrich, a developer of Summit Farms, plans to open its 12,000-square-foot headquarters with plans for a café, bakery, roasting facility, and company offices. Developers are in talks with a Charlotte-based brewery to move into the site, as well as a new-to-market, farm-to-table restaurant with roots in the Southeast and an all-day market and café coming to the development.
Summit Farms is still developing a few new ventures during this process and continues to look for new businesses to join in this development. Charlotte-market concepts are expected to relocate or add secondary locations this the remaining 12,000 square feet of retail space at Summit Farms, according to Helfrich.
“We’re not taking anything for granted, but we are optimistic that we’re heading on a path toward a vote by the commissioners,” Helfrich tells Charlotte Business Journal. “This development is not just going to be a, we get approvals in August, and we put shovels in the ground. It’s gonna be a bit of a heavier lift. We’ve gotten a tremendous amount of interest. We are adding some more smaller-format retail options.”
