Two new road extensions in South Charlotte open early near Blakeney

Charlotte, N.C., July 10, 2002 – On July 11, the Rea Road extension will open to the motoring public in Mecklenburg and Union counties well in advance of prior projections. On or before the end of July, Ardrey Kell Road will also open for use completing a north-south and east-west intersection at Crosland’s new Blakeney development, located approximately two miles south of Piper Glen between NC521 and NC16. (See map: www.cpwadv.com/pr/mapbw2.jpg, an RGB file.)

The roads divide this 270-acre, mixed-use development into four quadrants, planned for single-family attached and detached homes, apartment homes, retail and commercial/office products.

The rapid completion of these roads was the result of a public-private partnership between Crosland, other property owners (who dedicated right-of-way) and NCDOT. Crosland dedicated land for right-of-way and facilitated right-of-way by other property owners, underwrote the design costs for the roads, and paid for the construction of the road portions running through Blakeney. In total, Crosland contributed over $8 million.

“As a result of our joint efforts, the people of south Charlotte and Union County have received two significant and important transportation improvements,” said Sandy Nance, Assistant to the State Highway Administrator.

“This private/public partnership typifies Crosland’s steadfast commitment to the communities in which we do business,” stated Bill Gartland, vice president of Crosland’s Land division. “We recognized the dramatic need for these roads, and embraced a proactive solution to building these roads well in advance of their original projected completion. This development and public partnership has been over a decade in the planning.”

Crosland’s ability to utilize all of its internal resources has made a significant difference in the Blakeney development process. By uniting the land development, retail, apartments, and office divisions as a development team, distinct advantages were realized. As a result of this synergy, Crosland is able to deliver the residential, retail and office segments of Blakeney in a manner reflecting a cohesive look and feel.

Blakeney Greens is the first new neighborhood in the Blakeney community that blends the best elements of traditional neighborhood and contemporary design. It will feature two greens, a nature preserve, a swim club, tree-lined streets with wide sidewalks and walking trails linked to the rest of the community. The greens are parks, fronted by homes, with walkways and open play areas along with shaded sitting areas with Charleston-style benches.

Homeowners and visitors enter the neighborhood via Rea Road, which will have 50-foot wide landscaped parkways with wide meandering sidewalks. The entry features Bullock Green, with a signature elliptical trellis providing shaded sitting areas perfect for gatherings with neighbors and friends, and is encompassed by tree-lined walkways ideal for evening strolls.

Saussy Burbank and Ryan Homes are the homebuilders in Blakeney Greens. With 123 homes sites, Saussy Burbank’s product offerings will feature the Garden District Designs, as well as Victorian, Charleston and Colonial Revival Collections. Saussy Burbank homes will range from $199,000 to $250,000. Ryan Homes will build their popular two- and three-story townhomes that have been very successful in the greater Charlotte market. These townhomes will range in price from $128,000 to mid-$170,000.

Forty-five acres in Blakeney will be protected as preserved greenway and wetlands. This land runs along the Flat Branch Creek on the east side of the project and reflects Crosland’s ongoing practice of environmental stewardship. A three-acre green, Blakeney Park, located at the northwest corner of Rea Road and Ardrey Kell Road, will serve as an inviting gateway to the community. Based on a traditional English town model, Blakeney Park will be a focal point and will complement the shopping and restaurants, provide places to stroll, sit and relax in flower gardens, play and enjoy a dynamic interactive fountain.

Phase One of the development’s retail component will be primarily driven by the needs of the Blakeney residents. Necessity shops, including a grocery and drug store along with restaurants, are included in the master plan of the development. Crosland has begun negotiations with a number of regional and local retailers that will complement the lifestyles of Blakeney residents and those of surrounding neighborhoods. Phase One is targeted to open in late 2003.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Novak, Corder Philips & Wilson 704/338-7219, jnovak@cpwadv.com