Why is it so hard to get projects done?

Plus: What’s happening at Mr. K’s site; Latest on the Sugar Creek library branch; Save the date for Whispers birthday party this month; Novant Health medical office project; Wine bar to South End

Today’s Real Estate Whispers is sponsored by The McIntosh Law Firm. At The McIntosh Law Firm, we offer experienced legal guidance in real estate development, property revaluation appeals, government relations, land use, estate planning, and business law—helping clients navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges.

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Welcome back to our weekly look at Charlotte real estate and development news. Charlotte Commercial Real Estate Whispers is the best way to get the latest dirt on transactions, rezonings and projects happening across the Queen City.

Got something to Whisper about? Send me a note at ashley@cltledger.com.

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In today’s edition:

• Three things holding up projects in the Charlotte region

• What’s going on with Mr. K’s

• Rendering of Sugar Creek’s new library

• Celebrate Real Estate Whispers with us

• A wrap-up of land deals and real estate news from us and other sources

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3 things making development hard AF in Charlotte right now

Panelists Bridget Grant, land-use consultant at Moore & Van Allen; Forde Britt, designated broker at Land Advisors Organization; Shawn Kimble, managing partner at Miller Street Capital; and Ashley Peterson, partner at Proffitt Dixon Partners. (Photo: Ashley Fahey/The Charlotte Ledger)

What does it take to make development work in 2026?

Even in a thriving city like Charlotte, that’s a tough question to answer, given the challenges facing commercial real estate today. And while this industry is notoriously optimistic, several industry leaders at an Urban Land Institute Charlotte panel this week tackled some of the not-so-bright spots of CRE right now.

It boils down, largely, to three primary forces: