Alexander Farm bulldozing coming soon
Alexander Farm at Westmoreland, Catawba
Jan. 5. By Dave Vieser. The developers of the $110 million mixed-use project at Westmoreland and West Catawba say they could begin clearing the 55-acre farm late next month or early March, depending on contractor availability.
The Alexander Farm was the last working farm on the west side of I-77 in Cornelius.
Tenant farmers stayed in this house. Photo Dan Morrill
There are no official plans to save any of the buildings on the property although a last-minute effort to move a tenant farmer dwelling needs funding, according to Mecklenburg County historian Dan Morrill.
Timetable
The groundbreaking is behind schedule.
The purchase by WIN Development was originally expected to occur by fall, but was just recently completed according to local real estate attorney Susan Irvin, said groundbreaking could occur in late February or early March.
Plans filed with the town show 120,360 square feet of commercial space including a Lidl grocery store; 200,000 square feet for senior independent living units and 76 single-family detached homes priced around $600,000.
Details
Technically, Alexander Farms MU, LLC, a WIN-related entity, is still the project applicant, and will work on the commercial end, but “they are working with two River Rock Communities entities (based out of Mooresville) on the single-family and active adult portions,” said Irvin. Also involved is Southcrest, a brokerage firm that represents River Rock Communities in their residential projects.
Road improvements
The plan includes widening Westmoreland Road to four lanes from West Catawba to Eagle Ridge Drive. There is ongoing discussion with the NC Dept. of Transportation to add an interchange on I-77 just to the east on Westmoreland.
Improvements to the entrance and exit of the Westmoreland Athletic Complex, and numerous turning lanes in the area will also be made.
Last farm west of I-77
The late Eugene Alexander was the last remaining farmer on the western side of town until 2013. He died New Years Day 2014 at the age of 96. A recent effort to save and relocate the farm’s tenant house located on the northwest corner of the property faces a tight February timetable.
The property
55 acres at W. Catawba (left) and Westmoreland (bottom) (Screen shot from Mecklenburg tax records)
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How sad to see these historic farms be sold and that no one shows interest in the last building as an historic part of Cornelius’ history. More stores and houses….why couldn’t it have been a park…trees are more important for our future not cement and asphalt. I know its about the tax dollars…
I agree, it is sad to see this go. I always loved driving past the farm and seeing the grazing cows when we first moved to the area. I had so hoped the house would be restored – maybe used as an event center. So much commercial space with empty storefronts…ugh!
Agree to both comments! Beautiful piece of land only to be covered by eyesores. Enjoyed seeing the cows as well in the middle of such a busy town. Just sad.
Buy it and turn into a park
I agree where I live in concord there is only one farm left. I hate that there is no way to preserve history and instead more shopping centers and subdivisions are built. Pretty soon NC will have no indicators of what it once was.. it will look like everywhere else. Really sad..
I totally agree that this land should be preserved for its historic value and also for a park! More housing and grocery stores and vehicles! are not needed as much as quiet spaces where one can walk and enjoy nature. It is a tragedy when settings such as this are taken away from our community. This area would be a great “rest” place for those walking the nearby newly created walking trail!!
Most likely your neighborhood was a farm at one time.
Why not continue the widening of Westmoreland all the way to catawba, it needs doing
Wish they’d put these historic buildings to some use. Like they did in Old Bethpage on Long Island. That’s a beautiful spot to visit during Christmas. And a huge attraction during that holiday season.
I assume there is no plan to preserve the tenant farmer house.
Once this historical structure is lost you cannot bring it back.
How unfortunate!
The last thing this town needs is another shopping plaza, especially a Lidl that’s a sister store to Aldi that would be 2 miles down the street. A nice new community park that could host festivals I think would be much better. It would still be a development but I think an economically affordable apt building behind the park would be better suited for this area because there isn’t enough affordable living up here with rent under 1k or even under 900 a mth. This is a mostly younger & active working community in this area, we don’t need a retirement or 55 & over community.
NOOOOOO!!!! This family has been best friends with my family for forever!!! I can’t believe this, my heart is broken!!! Please try to save some of the buildings or at least a piece of wood for me!!! I LOVE YOU ALEXANDER FAMILY!!! Always & Forever!!! ❤️ Brooke Holcombe
I know this was all approved prior to the newly elected. I hope they will be involved in the final approvals and stick to the ideals they ran on. Remember the facts that we have already over crowded schools and roads.
Any forward thinking developer would consider an all inclusive destination Pickleball retreat with amenities to attract tournaments and players from near and far. It would be a boon to the town and an asset to citizens and great investment for the owner. It could include, courts, clubhouse, spa, pool and accommodations for visiting tournament players. Easy access to I77 at Westmoreland would make it accessible for travelers. This would put Cornelius on the map.