Kings Mountain, North Carolina

Where History Meets Modern Growth

Combining its historical charm with ambitious development projects to create a thriving, forward-looking community.

The City of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, is a quaint yet bustling municipality 30 miles west of the Charlotte metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 11,400, Kings Mountain uniquely blends the charm of small-town living with the vitality of its strategic location along Interstate 85 between Charlotte and Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Jim Palenick, the City Manager, elaborates on the historical significance that lends the city its name. “We take our name, Kings Mountain, from the most important Revolutionary War battles fought at Kings Mountain in South Carolina, which is very near here, still maintained as a national monument and park.”

He also highlights the city’s robust infrastructure and services, which contribute to its self-contained nature and proximity to the rapidly growing regions of Charlotte and northern South Carolina, injecting a dynamic energy into the local economy and community life. “It enjoys outdoor recreation and is influenced a lot by all the growth and activity going on in the Charlotte region and northern South Carolina,” Palenick notes.

Revitalizing Downtown Kings Mountain

In the heart of Kings Mountain, the downtown area serves as a historical and economic hub that the city is actively revitalizing. With a blend of rich history and modern development, efforts are underway to enhance the area’s appeal and functionality.

“We have a historic older downtown typical of smaller, self-contained communities like this,” says Palenick. “It has a great deal of history, a lot of attractive older buildings with small retail, restaurants, things like that.” The city recently initiated a multi-phased streetscape improvement project to rejuvenate the downtown area. Palenick mentions, “We completed the first phase. We expect to do phase two this year, and then we’re going through a master plan that will look at multiple additional phases in the future, probably as many as five or six.”

The Development Services Officer Matt Blackwell details one of the critical projects. “The City of Kings Mountain is preparing a site in our downtown that is publicly owned by the city,” he explains. “We’re preparing and marketing that site to attract additional hotel space via a potential boutique hotel.” This addition aims to provide much-needed accommodation and bolster the local economy. “It would not only provide for additional economic development downtown but also support businesses and our other recreation and entertainment opportunities by providing folks a place to stay downtown.”

Residential and Commercial Development

The City of Kings Mountain is on the brink of significant growth, with projects designed to expand the housing market, invigorate the local economy, and enhance the community’s overall appeal.

“The city has been great,” says Steve Bailey, President of Prestige Land and Site Works, a local developer. “We have a 150-lot subdivision called Brinkley Ridge that just opened. There was a ribbon cutting a week or two ago, and it’s currently one of the only actively selling subdivisions with many lots.” Partnering with America’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, Bailey highlights the immediate success, “They’ve had several sales right out of the gate and remain very optimistic about completing the project over the next couple of years.”

Bailey elaborates on the housing market specifics. “These homes are in the $350,000 to $450,000 range. We were recently zoned for another subdivision called Lacey Orchard, which includes a mix of 400 townhomes and single-family detached homes. We hope to sell these homes in about 18 months to two years.”

In addition to residential growth, commercial opportunities are being integrated into the development plans. Bailey points out, “Lacey Orchard also has a nine-acre commercial center that will front Highway 74 business. We are excited about this mixed-use development, which will bring various product types to the area.”

More New Developments in Kings Mountain

Kings Mountain’s growth continues with several large-scale projects to redefine the city’s landscape, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces and creating a cohesive environment supporting a thriving community.

Paul Sparks of Insignis Partners discusses their latest venture. “It’s been great working with Jim and his team,” he says, noting the seamless collaboration through transitions. The 384-acre Dixon Ridge project, rezoned under Palenick’s leadership, demonstrates this effective partnership. “It’s going to be a mixed-use development, primarily heavy residential. There will be a walk-up multifamily component, three stories, office space, and flex warehouse areas,” Sparks explains.

Strategically located near the Catawba Two Kings Casino, Dixon Ridge will serve the community and the casino’s operational needs. “The flex warehouse will cater to casino vendors, helping with machines and other necessities,” Sparks, notes. This proximity promises a symbiotic relationship between the development and the casino, nurturing economic synergy.

Sparks also reveals plans for Catawba Village, another ambitious project comprising 92 acres plus an additional 40 acres directly across from the casino. “While we can’t disclose specific details due to NDAs, we have several high-profile restaurants and experiential tenants interested,” he shares.

Kings Mountain’s future looks promising, and it plans to incorporate the Gateway Trail into these new developments. “Our goal is to create a true live-work-play environment,” Sparks states. Collaborating with Kiersten Martin and the Albemarle Corporation, they envision outdoor spaces that connect the community and enhance the overall livability of the area.

Enhancing Green Spaces and Community Connectivity

Kings Mountain’s ongoing developments focus on residential and commercial growth and enhancing outdoor spaces to improve community connectivity and livability. Kirsten Martin, Albemarle Corporation’s community relations lead for North America, outlines the company’s significant role.

“Albemarle has proposed reopening a hard rock lithium mine that was operational from the ’30s to the ’90s,” she explains. “As part of that, there is an 80-acre easement that Albemarle gave to the local Gateway Trail in 2008. As we reopen the mine, we want to ensure we can replace that section of trail.”

The mine’s potential reopening has revealed numerous opportunities to collaborate with local developers and the city to expand the trail system. “We found that there were a lot of opportunities to work with local developers, work with the city directly, and expand the trail in a really incredible way,” Martin says. This expansion aims to integrate the trail more deeply into the community, creating a seamless connection between new developments and existing neighborhoods.

Strategic Investments and Long-Term Vision

Kings Mountain’s appeal to investors lies not only in its strategic location but also in its forward-thinking approach to development. With its proximity to Charlotte and substantial investments in infrastructure, the city is an attractive hub for residential and commercial projects.

Phil Dee, Managing Partner at True Spec Global LLC, discusses what initially drew his company to Kings Mountain. “What brought us to Kings Mountain initially was the proximity to Charlotte. Fifteen years ago, we started investing in various projects here,” he explains. One such project is a residential development on the north side of town, focusing on easy access to the 74 bypass. “It’ll be 140 homes in the $450,000 to $600,000 range, aimed at the commuter market from Charlotte.”

Dee emphasizes the strategic nature of their investments, including land banking for future commercial development. “We’ve assembled a 20-acre parcel on US 74 for a future grocery store commercial site. Once we have the rooftops, we can develop that.” The influx of new residents, spurred by other developments in the area, will eventually support this commercial growth.

The city’s substantial investment in infrastructure is another key factor in its attractiveness to developers. “That’s why we can build here,” Dee emphasizes. Combined with quality-of-life factors like proximity to parks and Moss Lake and easy access to Charlotte Airport, Kings Mountain offers a compelling package for investors and residents alike.

Infrastructure Investments

City Manager Palenick outlines the extensive infrastructure projects currently underway. “The City of Kings Mountain is unique for our size in that we own and operate almost every utility you can think of,” he says. “We have a municipal electric utility, a municipal gas utility, water and sanitary sewer, and solid waste. And we own our water reservoirs, including a 1600-acre lake.”

One of the cornerstone projects is an $83 million sanitary sewer enhancement and improvement initiative. “We are completely rebuilding and expanding a 6-million-gallon-per-day sanitary sewer treatment plant,” Palenick explains. This project involves extending force mains by nine and a half miles and gravity mains by another eight and a half miles. “In doing that, we are not only providing capacity for the future but opening up a lot of lands that otherwise wouldn’t have been developable,” he adds. This expanded capacity directly benefits major projects like Dixon Ridge and areas around the entertainment district and casino resorts.

Additionally, Kings Mountain is nearing the completion of a $13 million expansion of its electric utility. “We’re adding an additional substation delivery point and several miles of transmission, connecting it to the grid,” Palenick notes. Water infrastructure is also a significant focus. “We’re enhancing our reservoir and bringing back a public beach along with other amenities,” he says, emphasizing the city’s focus on capitalizing on utility infrastructure and recreational opportunities.

Enriching Tourism and Community Life

Tourism is pivotal in Kings Mountain, driving economic growth and community engagement. The city is leveraging its unique combination of historical charm, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural events to attract visitors and provide memorable experiences.

Susan Mosk, Marketing and Tourism Manager, explains, “Tourism is huge. We are trying to create an alluring destination among the mountains, greenways, and lakes. “Inside the city, we have great amenities like the Joy Theater, built in 1949 and currently renovating to restore its original look. It’s very active with dramas and plays.”

Mosk also highlights how the city is maintaining and enhancing public spaces. “We have a beautiful park downtown, right off Main Street, with a water feature, a large amphitheater, and spaces for concerts, live music festivals, and children’s programs,” she explains. The park’s proximity to the city’s dining and entertainment district makes it a central hub for community activities.

The city’s appeal includes nearby attractions such as a winery with a vineyard overlooking the mountains and an upcoming distillery. “This summer, we’re opening a distillery with beautiful views of the mountains,” Mosk adds. These unique offerings make Kings Mountain a perfect getaway for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Palenick chimes in by mentioning upcoming large-scale touristic developments like the casino resort and entertainment district. “We believe that exit five here in Kings Mountain, within 20 years, will be the most visited spot in North Carolina,” he asserts. The $700 million casino resort, featuring a 404-room high-rise hotel tower and a two million square foot casino, is expected to attract millions of visitors annually across the region.

The city’s vibrant event calendar also contributes significantly to its tourism appeal. “We have a rich history with the Battle of Kings Mountain and our Revolutionary Fourth Festival,” Mosk says. The festival includes a battle reenactment, complete with gunfire and fireworks, making it a favorite among residents. Another cherished event is Mountaineer Day, a celebration of the community’s heritage with live music, festivals, and old-fashioned contests like beard growing and apple butter churning. “People really enjoy it,” she notes.

With all these various initiatives at play, Kings Mountain is poised for a vibrant future, skillfully merging its rich historical roots with cutting-edge development and strategic investments in infrastructure. The collaborative efforts between city leaders, developers, and community stakeholders are paving the way for sustainable growth, ensuring residents and visitors benefit from enhanced amenities, recreational spaces, and cultural events. This dynamic blend of tradition and innovation positions Kings Mountain as a premier destination in North Carolina, promising a thriving, inclusive community for years to come.

AT A GLANCE

City of Kings Mountain

What: Thriving small city blending historical charm with modern development

Where: Kings Mountain, North Carolina

Website: https://www.cityofkm.com/