The Commercial/Retail Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Station West is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

Station West is an adaptive re-use of two abandoned warehouses and is a showcase in placemaking and community-centered design in Charlotte's FreeMoreWest district. Our innovative approach centered on creating a dynamic central plaza that serves as the heart of this mixed-use development, transforming two existing warehouses into a vibrant community hub.

 
The plaza design exemplifies thoughtful placemaking, featuring carefully positioned amenities including a central fire pit for gathering, an active game lawn for recreation, and a custom shade structure providing comfort year-round. Our landscape architecture expertise addressed significant grade changes between buildings while creating seamless connections that encourage natural circulation and spontaneous interactions.

Working with Blue Jay Investments and architectural partners, we prioritized the outdoor experience as much as the interior spaces. The plaza serves as more than circulation space - it's a destination that fosters community among diverse tenants and visitors. Our design creates multiple activity zones while maintaining visual connections across the entire site.

This placemaking strategy has proven successful, with the plaza becoming the social anchor for diverse businesses including coffee roasters, design studios, event spaces, and creative offices. The outdoor space regularly hosts community events, casual meetings, and impromptu gatherings, validating our vision that great places drive economic vitality.

Station West's plaza exemplifies how intentional landscape architecture and urban design can transform underutilized industrial sites into thriving community destinations. By prioritizing human-scale experiences and flexible programming, we created a space that strengthens Charlotte's urban fabric while establishing a new model for adaptive reuse focused on community building and authentic placemaking.

To see more Commercial/Retail Development projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/lasns-commercial-retail-development#article1

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php