Birkdale Begins Transformation, What It Will Look Like

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — The Birkdale shopping center in Huntersville is already a hotbed of activity when it comes to shopping and dining, but developers envision taking it to the next level by making it a hub for entertainment as well.

North American Properties will break ground Wednesday on renovations at Birkdale which are modeled after the "urbanburbs" of Alpharetta, Georgia according to the developers.

Currently, Birkdale has more than 300 apartments, 250,000 square feet of retail space and 50,000 square feet of office space.

North American Properties will modify a 6,000-square-foot plaza using the green space in the center of the property and install a mixed-use stage complete with an LED screen. That will come in conjunction with a seating area and will become the home of annual holiday events.

In an effort to make the area more accessible, a concierge and valet will be added.

In addition to facelifts throughout the property, a new dog park and free Wi-Fi, the parking garages will receive sprucing up.

Expect to see two glass buildings erected on either side of the new plaza as well offering different retail options with seating and optional rooftop access.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday in front of Regal Cinemas at Birkdale.