West Charlotte is beginning to awaken to its potential.
For years, it's been a seemingly neglected part of town. But it has quickly become one of the region's faster-growing areas.
One of the main reasons is Interstate 485. The section through West Charlotte cut commute times and has made the area attractive for retailers. The latest section, between N.C. 16, Interstate 77 and N.C. 115, is expected to open in 2008.
Businesses have come to formerly barren thoroughfares like Wilkinson Boulevard, where a new Wal-Mart Supercenter serves as the anchor for a string of stores.
The city and county's redevelopment of the Wilkinson Business Park attracted Wal-Mart, and developers also have expressed interest in the nearby Southern Steel site.
The development isn't just in the commercial sector. Upscale residential complexes such as Ayrsley, Palisades and Sanctuary are adding thousands of high-value homes to the west side. The former Charlotte Coliseum off Tyvola Road was demolished in June to make way for a 170-acre commercial and residential development called City Park.
While access for cars is one of the area's new bragging points, it has highlighted a benefit the west side has boasted for years -- proximity to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, one of the Southeast's busiest and the country's fastest-growing.
Don't miss: Coulwood Park, which features nature and walking trails along with a playground, tennis and volleyball courts and ball fields.
