LOCUST TOWN CENTER

From Hometown Dream to New Town Reality

Historical photos courtesy of
Bill Tucker/Locust Museum
www.locustmuseum.com

In 2004, Locust Town Center was only the dream of a few men, but their visionary planning and determination soon inspired an entire town to rebuild the beloved downtown district it had lost following the widening of its main road.

And with the assistance of one of America’s leading planning firms, Duany Plater-Zyberk, the Town Center’s Developers Bob Barbee, Terry Whitley and Andreas Bechtler of Main Street Property LLC worked closely with the entire community of Locust and its government and business leaders to plan and design a “brand new downtown.” The architecture, roads and utilities would be new, but the Town Center would be designed to maintain the distinctive character, Southern charm and traditions that made this small hometown special. There would be a village green and open spaces for gatherings, outdoor concerts and festivals. There’d be connecting sidewalks, golf cart routes and bike paths.

It would be everything a great American hometown should be – friendly and convenient for everyone, from kids and pets to singles and seniors – and it would be influenced by the best of neighboring model towns such as Pinehurst, Davidson, Badin and Albemarle.

Located just 12 miles from Charlotte’s outer belt and at the crossroads of Concord, Albemarle and Monroe, the City of Locust as a well traveled destination was well positioned for growth and opportunity.

At that time, Locust’s Mayor Harold E. Greene echoed, "Locust is fortunate that the partners of Main Street Property LLC are dedicated to building a town center that will enhance our community's lifestyle. By combining the best of yesterday with the advantages of today, our community values will be preserved while being a model for future generations."

But a lot has happened since 2006. And in spite of all the economic challenges affecting everyone – individuals as well as businesses and real estate – the Locust Town Center stayed its path and sustained the dream of so many.

When housing took the greatest hit, the Town Center saved those plans for the right time and focused strategically on developing its 20-acre Merchant & Business Center, which anchored two supporting local banks, and gave opportunity to a unique diversity of retail shops and restaurants, medical practices and professional services.

Then, in 2010, the completion of the first apartment homes in the heart of the Town Center brought scores of new residents and energy to the Town Center, both young families as well as seniors. Now, more apartment homes and new townhomes units will soon be off the drawing board. During 2011, the most exciting construction was for the City of Locust’s new 12,000 s.f. Government Center, soon home to the new public library, police department, city council chambers, community meeting spaces and all municipal services. Grand opening is planned for Fall 2011.

Developers: Bob Barbee, Terry Whitley & Andreas Bechtler of Main Street Properties

Town Planning: Tom Low of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company

Architect: Allen McGuire, AIA

Engineering: Steve Chambers of Chambers Engineering