[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Are laminate considered Hardwood Floors?

Centro is advertising Quad condos for sale on a realtor website with "Hardwood Floors". The first asking price is $224,900 for a 1/1. Should a condo in First Ward at this price in this economy with "laminate floors" cost this much?

What are Hardwood Floors? Any experts out there willing to elaborate?

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

QCkid,

Why would you continue and settle on the place if you are unhappy with the flooring? When are you closing? I'm hearing that there are still 10 unsold units at The Quad and that some people can't make it to closing. I am buying there but am nervous about 1) changes done to the unit 2) people backing out. Is there anyone else out there that is closing on there unit. If more people complain, maybe someone will listen.

unc2007lsu,

I've got a friend that is more nervous than you are. I now hear it, since the first walk thru, more than ever. She didn't know backing out was a choice. After reading the contract thoroughly, it read as if once you signed, you were obligated to proceed with the process. No ands or buts. Are purchasers really changing their minds or can't qualify financially or are afraid of the economy? The place is attractive but I can see where everyone is having second thoughts. Centro will probably forced to renegotiate the prices if everyone in these buildings have the choice to backout.

Did you buy for investment purposes or will this be your home? My bud bought in the Quad because it would be her home and her first.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

I'm not completely unhappy with the flooring, just annoyed that it was laminate. They have preformed what I paid them to do, which was install their builder grade wood floors in the color I requested.

They have given no closing dates to my knowledge, I could be out of the loop, but I do not have mine yet. I have complained plenty about a variety of things. Some things were resolved and some things continue to be argued. Buying new construction, in my experience, is a constant negotiation for finish quality and builder/buyer concessions until you sign at the closing table.

As for your concerns: 1) Changes are unfortunately part of any construction process, however, if you feel something was misrepresented to you during the sales process, I personally would encourage you to get in contact with your realtor and/or Centro and begin a dialogue to see what a resolution might be. 2) I hear that 20 percent will most likely be vacant at move in, that is 16-17 units, due to unsold and people backing out. I don't think this is entirely a bad thing. More parking, just kidding. Obviously I'd prefer a full building, but I just don't think it will be too bad to have a couple vacant at first.

Several questions:

Finally the 1st walk through. I attended the walk through with my friend. Laminate floors? The contractor explained the woods as if they were engineered ones since there were a couple of scratches. In addition, high heels were not recommended on these floors. I thought laminate was pretty sturdy? This is a surprise. (the floors do look nice though)

Backout? How can anyone backout if the contract states, that the only legit reason not to continue with the process, is with the excuse of not being able to qualify financially? There is a painstaking three times obligatory trial before it's safe for the purchaser to backout. If a backout is possible, without the ramifications of a fiasco, then my bud will be happy to hear this alternative. Maybe later, when the economy strengthens, buying would be more apropo. Uptown Charlotte is very nice and I do agree with the usc2007lsu...the buildings are lovely.

There were some delays previously but then you don't have a closing date? Did you buy in the Quad? My bud's 2nd walk through/closing has been set for next month and has complained plenty but gets the phonetics of the contract tooted on a constant basis.

Maybe Centro should renegotiate the sales price. The laminate floors will affect everyones future resale price.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Curiously, what was different in their unit? Mine did not have a glass block wall as shown on the floor plan, but I specifically requested that be a normal drywall clad wall. I have heard of other minor changes as they have VE'd ("value engineered") things along the way.

Closings are proving to be a big challenge, apparently their contractor is completely inept and is unable to handle the close out of the project with timely and successful inspections, thus delaying the Certificate of Occupancy and any residents from moving in. There is definitely a break down somewhere, either with Centro's project managers or CaroCon's project managers, with someone not able to properly manage this project, which is very unfortunate for everyone involved.

The major complaint among others were the change of wood floors leaving them wondering if they were the only ones with this scenario. Even though Centrocityworks states the quality is the same, the floors are completely (aesthetics)different. But you didn't have any problems. In fact they granted your request.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

I had the first walkthrough of the Quad @ Quarterside today. The building is the still very much a construction site. Will post pictures soon.

First thoughts:

- Unit condition and finishes exceeded my expectations in quality and completeness

- Hall and common areas have finishes on par with Avenue and Trademark hall areas (sans flat screen tvs at Avenue)

- Retail is progressing well with more tenants soon to be signed

- The parking garages will be gated and residents only for the Quad. Visitor parking on street, in the surface lot and part of the Ledge deck

- Overall, very happy with the results.

Just spoke to another person who bought at the Quad. You were lucky to have had an early walk through. Theirs were postponed but had the chance to take a glimpse at their unit. They didn't seem very content at the idea that they were not contacted of the changes made in their unit since they had all their furnishings chosen to suit. Centro's reply initially was vague as to whom to place the blame on then stressed the contract's stipulation of allowed modifications.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Hannaford???? They exited the Charlotte Market a decade ago. Don't count on that one.

What a bummer. Just visited one in Bangor and not even Whole Foods can live to their reputation. A cornucopia of tastes, choice, and organization.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Any idea who bid for this land?

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

QCkid

Thanks for the pixs and sounds like you are a happy camper.

The buildings are aesthetically pleasing. Architecturally they blend very well with Uptown...unlike The "pink building" in the foreground which should belong in Brickell in Miami.

Mr. Furman continues to be constant on his facades.

There is unconstructed land between the Enclave and Quarterside. Maybe a Hannaford or Whole Foods can be situated on this lot.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Good shots of Quarterside.

Any changes asthetically since these shots? Looks like the Row is finished.

I wonder if people are satisfied with their purchase. Anyone which has bought at either at the Quad or the Ledge seen their unit and the premises and happy with the results?

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

What happened to the Quad in the photos above?

Interesting, the Row above has almost been completed while the Ledge and the Quad aren't. And it's taken two years to build the Quad, the first building planned to originally be built. Now the builder will add an incentive for the Quad and Ledge owners who can refer to buy at the Row, the Ledge, and the Quad....and they said the Ledge and Quad were sold out and had "waiting lists". Anyone who owns at the Quad care to state their thoughts?

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

In actuality, the buyer is a single she. I don't know the demographics of First Ward but it seems that her concern is safety besides the tranquility since many reiterate that First Ward continues to be a somewhat problematic area. In addition, Blvd Centro did not notify her of the name change. When she signed the contract it was under Blvd Centro instead of Centro Cityworks. How the name change will affect the closing procedures and any aftermath remains to be experienced. Blvd Centro has not commented on this issue.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

A couple of the retail spots have been filled at Quarterside. There is one "Colin's neighborhood Pub" in the corner spot (I'm pretty excited about it), a drycleaners(surprise, surprise), an owner who doesn't know what he's going to do with the spot, and another retail tenant plans for a pizza place but no retail spot assigned to it yet. 6 retails spots remain. The Quad (on 6th & Myers) is supposed to finish late summer / early fall. The Row (7th & Myers) is the unknown, currently they are further ahead on it than the Quad or the Ledge. And the Ledge will finish up last.

The Pub is not good news. Property will devaluate with this type of establishment....liquor and junk food. The Quad residents, especially those on the 2nd floor, will have to contend with many major issues such as the noise since the building is not built out of concrete.

BlvdCentro must have changed their name.....it's now Centro Cityworks. No explanation on why.

The Quad is way overdue. A friend bought in Feb 2006 and continues to wait and wait. With the announcement of the Pub, the condo will be immediately for sale at a very attractive price (with the upgrades),even though there were no plans for "flipping". In order to avoid the headaches, this person is willing just to get the money invested. In other words, cutting even. Unfortunately it has been a disappointment.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

The rents at the Enclave are not going to be economical with justification of the sale prices. At another Charlotte Forum many professionals are asking for guidance on rentals, to try out the area, before buying. This is a perfect opportunity for those new comer business professionals, attorneys, doctors, engineers, and so forth.

This project will definitely not be the same "First Ward Place Apartment" scenario. Uptown is becoming a very expensive area to live. It will be a matter of time before projects like these are phased out because of rising economics. By the way, where do these "subsidized" dwellers work if only banking exists within the area?

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

The word about the Quad at Quarterside is that it will be completed and ready for habitation in Summer of 2008. The tags are attractive therefore took the plunge too! The square looks promising according to Blvd Centro.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

QCkid,

Is there a fourth building?

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Blvd Centro have long lists of customers waiting to be called for that opportunity to buy at preconstruction prices. Their answer to my inquiry was the selling of another buidling was keeping them very busy.

I have noticed with Court 6, the courtyard is mainly composed of condo terraces with a fountain as the pivotal point. There is no room for privacy nor the ability for other residents to enjoy a stroll. The Ledge and the Quad have courtyards also....wonder if these have the same configurations. One absolute attractive point is the underground parking for unit residents.

It looks as if the schematic on the Blvd Centro website illustrates a fourth building in the background. May this be the office/retail condo? I was told of a grandious fountain being surrounded by the Quad, the Ledge, the Row. This sounds awesome!

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Krazeeboi,

Great angles of the Renwick/Enclave. Quarterside is caddy corner from this project. The third building, since I inquired, is almost completely sold out and the prices are not that attractive. There's obviously a definite pro plus in this mix project.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Uptown will be comprised only of banks, arenas, hotels, and dwellings with a miniscule of scattered retailers. No competition will mean that residents living downtown are either obligated to foreage to the subs or pay high prices in their area. Unfortunately retailers (chains, etc) do not see the potential opportunities. Parking is not an excuse. The idea is to cater to the masses withing the radius of the wards. More than enough people live within the confines and with additional construction of dwellings, not astronomical but steadly rising, more of a demand for the basics will necessitate. Downtown cities, self sustaining, as for example Denver, Seattle, and Houston, were in the same logistical issue of space however were able to incorporate the economics. Someone, whether local government or else, needs to put on the thinking cap on this issue.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

I have a unit at The Quad in Quarterside. Furman and staff are saying late spring 2008 for move in . They also are admitting that Trademark walk throughs and closings are slowing them down. I guess they underestimated the back end of the schedule for Trademark. As far as contract concerns, I'm not too worried overall. They are staying within their budget, at least on the exterior from what I've heard. Just moving incredibly slow for a wood framed building with an incredible dry streak for weather. They should've had at least the Quad framed or close by now. It looks like they are waiting on floor trusses before they go the next floor up on the Quad. Back in contract they were saying they were just going to build the Row and sell at market prices since the Quad and Ledge sold well. I'm not sure if they changed their minds in the last year or so though.

EDIT:

I was running out the door this morning, didn't actually respond to the post.

Pros:

- Inside of I-277

- Walking distance to the Square, Epicenter, Bobcats, Nascar Hall of Fame (didn't know that at the time), Next door to post office, walking distance to future light rail, walking distance to Met Midtown, walking distance to government district, walking distance to grocery (Reids), Etc;

- Out of Uptown price point for Inside of Uptown address;

- Well known local developer.

- "Urban Village" feel of mixed use

- Retail in ground floor

- Not all of the condos in one building

Cons:

- Wood framed building (purely for the noise aspect)

- Pool is only included on The Ledge building (the biggest one)

- Busy developer (lots of open projects right now)

- Limited parking for amount of condos & retail

Overall the Pros far outweighed the Cons for me personally for this particular purchase. Hope that helped.

QCkid,

Does the developer have any intentions for a self sufficient micro niche?

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

The block should be termed "complex" instead of "village". Hopefully the developer attracts the retailers adequate for this type of micro community within the macro one. This benefits everyone.

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

This city is unique. Are there other "villages" in Uptown? The term implies "a community smaller than a town". Seems as the developer of Quarterside is inviting a cornucopia of retailers for a self sufficient/independent niche. Nice!

[First Ward Urban Village / North Tryon Vision Plan]

Charlotte is a nice city! A member of another Charlotte blog referred me to Urbanplanet since their threads and posts were more for the Urbanites. I have taken a look at charlottecentercity maps and all the construction sites underway. Quarterside is referred as a "village". What will the "village" consist of and how will it contribute to Uptown's enhancement? Curious, when is the completion date and what does it look like now?