West Charlotte River District unveils first retail complex

New mixed-use project will bring restaurants, shops and medical services to the growing neighborhood

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The West Charlotte River District, a $6 billion, 1,400-acre mixed-use redevelopment, has unveiled plans for its first retail complex. The 28,200-square-foot, two-story building will house the district's first restaurants, shops, medical facilities and other neighborhood services. The project is being developed by New Regional Planning, a Houston-based firm, and is located across from the district's first apartment complex and the iconic 65-foot tall wooden troll sculpture.

Why it matters

The new retail complex marks a significant milestone in the continued growth and development of the West Charlotte River District, which is transforming a former vacant area into a thriving new neighborhood. With more residents and visitors expected, the retail offerings will provide essential goods and services to the community.

The details

The mixed-use retail complex will be located on the corner of Crescent River Road and River District Drive, across from the NOVEL River District apartment complex and the Big Pete, the 65-foot tall wooden troll sculpture. New Regional Planning, a Houston-based development firm, purchased the 1.5-acre site from Crescent Communities, the district's master developer, in December 2025 for $1.5 million. The firm plans to break ground on the project this year.

  • In December 2025, New Regional Planning purchased the 1.5-acre site from Crescent Communities.
  • New Regional Planning plans to break ground on the retail complex this year.

The players

Crescent Communities

The master developer of the West Charlotte River District, a $6 billion, 1,400-acre mixed-use redevelopment project.

New Regional Planning

A Houston-based development firm that will construct the 28,200-square-foot, two-story mixed-use retail complex in the West Charlotte River District.

Thomas Dambo

The artist who created the 65-foot tall wooden troll sculpture, known as Big Pete, which is a prominent landmark in the West Charlotte River District.

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What they’re saying

“With more residents and visitors heading to the district, the retail complex gives people a place to go and retailers an opportunity to become neighborhood staples.”

— Rainer Ficken, Senior Managing Director, Crescent Communities (heraldonline.com)

What’s next

New Regional Planning plans to break ground on the retail complex this year, marking the continued growth and development of the West Charlotte River District.

The takeaway

The new retail complex in the West Charlotte River District is a significant step forward in transforming the former vacant area into a thriving new neighborhood, providing essential goods and services to the growing community.