The River District

Charlotte, NC

We provided design guidelines for The River District to create a unique live, work, play environment in Charlotte, NC. Designed to be both walkable and connected to nature, the 1,400-acre master-planned community offers proximity to the Catawba River and the vibrant uptown area. In addition to providing design guidelines for the project, we are providing design services for the office-over-retail building, the trailhead event center, and the multi-family component, comprised of seven buildings with 295 units.

Stewardship is a main goal of this project. Guidelines are in place to promote the environment, community, wellness, and resiliency. Multiple spaces will support these goals, including 460 acres of forests/open space, over two miles of bike lanes, 14 miles of bike trails, three miles of greenways, and 30 neighborhood parks. Water access is also provided from three launch points, and space is dedicated to sustainable farming strategies. Each home is set to be connected to a trail or a park. Public spaces are named to reflect the natural focus of the area, and we interspersed seating spaces so visitors and residents can interact together. Moments of nostalgia are enhanced in the facades of the homes and townhomes, which reflect a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Pure forms, natural color schemes, and timeless materials are planned.

The River District is only the third development in the U.S. and the first in the Southeast to achieve designation as a One Planet Living Leader. One Planet Living (OPL) is a sustainability framework based on the idea that health, economy, climate, communities, and the natural world are deeply and fundamentally interconnected. It is built around ten core principles, each supported by detailed sustainability goals and guidance, with the ultimate vision of creating a world where everyone can lead healthy, fulfilling lives within the planet’s ecological limits, all while preserving space for wildlife and natural ecosystems.

The River District community will enhance the lives of residents, workers, and visitors, creating a lasting legacy for the region.