Centra Square

In response to a surge of redevelopment in the Belmont neighborhood of Charlotte, which has driven up rents for long-term residents, St. Paul Baptist Church and the Zechariah Alexander CDC sought out Laurel Street to develop 3.5 blocks of their land into 112-units affordable units for seniors and families. Zechariah Alexander CDC has a right of first refusal to long-term ownership of the development. The development, located within .5 miles from the light rail, received a significant contribution from the City of Charlotte.

Centra Square, completed in 2019, is comprised of a 60-unit senior housing building, 29-townhome style family units, and a 23-unit garden-style flat building. The development targets households at 60% area median income and below.

The senior building includes amenities such as a community room, multiple lounge areas, a fitness center, a covered veranda, and garden plots. The family development offers a multi-purpose room and business center, covered picnic shelter, and playground. Centra Square was built to Energy Star v2 standards.