Transforming Charlotte’s CRE Landscape
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Insights, opportunities, and what’s next
What happens when transit-oriented development (TOD), vertical growth, commercial real estate (CRE) technology, and bold vision come together?
At 110 East, the Most Intelligent Office Building in North America, more than 120 CRE leaders, city builders, and visionaries gathered in Charlotte, NC for Realcomm’s Beyond Bricks 2025—a pivotal event showcasing how vision, thoughtful planning, and smart building technology converge to create better spaces. This forum-style event marked a key inflection point in Charlotte’s CRE community by raising awareness of what’s possible when TOD, vertical growth, technology, and community engagement intersect.
As Charlotte continues to add nearly 120 new residents every day, the need for smart urban growth strategies—powered by technology and collaboration—has never been clearer. The insights shared at Beyond Bricks provide a blueprint for stakeholders to navigate urban growth, optimize property management, and elevate occupant experiences, all while driving net operating income (NOI) and operational efficiency.
The event also subtly demonstrated how Stiles Property Management delivers operational excellence by aligning tenant satisfaction with smart building operations, as well as how Intelligent Buildings (IB)’s IntelliNet simplifies the complex digital infrastructure powering these buildings.
Driving Operational Efficiency & Tenant Satisfaction
Featuring Rob Murchison (CEO, Intelligent Buildings) and Devon Newton (VP of Property Management, Stiles)
Key Insights
- Personal Productivity & AI Adoption: Half of attendees reported daily use of AI tools like ChatGPT, and there were discussions on how AI boosts operational efficiency and tenant engagement.
- Smart Sensors for Operational Efficiency: Technologies like smart sensors for HVAC, lighting, and water management help reduce energy consumption and alert management to issues in real time.
- Cybersecurity Considerations: As buildings become smarter, cybersecurity must be a core operational priority—a challenge addressed by IntelliNet, providing secure, managed solutions for CRE portfolios.
- Integrated Smart Building Platforms: Cost-effective platforms simplify operations with minimal training requirements, enhancing property management productivity.
Actionable Takeaways for CRE Leaders
Economic Outlook – Navigating Market Trends
Featuring Mark Vitner (Chief Economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital)
Key Insights
- Charlotte’s Economic Resilience: Despite high vacancy rates in older office buildings, newer developments with modern amenities continue to attract tenants.
- Population Growth: With a net influx of 120 people daily, Charlotte remains a top destination due to its educated workforce and urban amenities.
- Housing & Affordability: Charlotte’s expanding apartment market faces affordability challenges, driving development into surrounding counties.
- Commercial Real Estate Trends: Tenant preferences are shifting toward amenity-rich properties, signaling an opportunity for owners to invest in experience-driven spaces.
Actionable Takeaways for CRE Leaders
Vision for Charlotte’s Future Development
Featuring Pat McCrory (Former N.C. Governor )and Scott MacLaren (President, Stiles)
Moderated by Edwin Peacock (President, The Pomfret Financial Company)
Key Insights
- Visionary Transit Planning: Governor McCrory shared how the LYNX Light Rail catalyzed urban growth, unlocking billions in investment and reshaping Charlotte’s real estate landscape.
- Placemaking & Community Engagement: Scott MacLaren discussed how TOD has driven community revitalization, emphasizing the need for adaptive structures that support future technological advancements.
- Sustainable Urban Growth: There was an emphasis on balancing high-density development with neighborhood preservation, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Actionable Takeaways for CRE Leaders
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) & Urban Growth
Featuring Courtney Menjivar (VP of Mobility Management + TDM, Wells + Associates)
Key Insights
- Tenant Experience Stack: Courtney introduced a multi-layered approach that includes proptech, community engagement, mobility solutions, workplace services, and data optimization—all critical to enhancing tenant satisfaction and retention.
- Transportation Demand Management (TDM): Strategies such as carpooling, flexible work hours, and real-time transit updates reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, enhancing mobility without new infrastructure investments.
- Smart Mobility Hubs: Centralized digital platforms offer real-time transit access, allowing property managers to adapt services based on tenant patterns, promoting sustainability, and supporting LEED certifications.
Actionable Takeaways for CRE Leaders
What’s Next for Charlotte’s Community?
Beyond Bricks demonstrated that Charlotte’s urban development journey is far from complete. The event highlighted how transit-oriented development, vertical growth, CRE technology, and community engagement must work in harmony to ensure sustainable, profitable growth.
To capitalize on this inflection point, CRE leaders must:
- Adopt Smart Technologies: Managed Services like IntelliNet simplify the complexities of CRE tech, reducing operational costs and improving tenant satisfaction.
- Leverage Experienced Property Management: Partnering with firms like Stiles Property Management ensures operational excellence, tenant retention, and sustainable growth through proven management strategies.
- Align Development with Transit Plans: Successful urban growth hinges on integrating real estate strategies with TOD.
- Foster Community Partnerships: Collaborative efforts between developers, city leaders, and technology providers will shape the next chapter of Charlotte’s CRE landscape.
The future of Charlotte’s CRE isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about building smarter, connected spaces that create lasting value.
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