Local

Signs of growth as mall construction continues in Steele Creek

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Signs of growth are popping up weeks before Charlotte's new outlet mall opens in Steele Creek.
 
Anchor Scott Wickersham visited the area one year ago when the site was still an open field and he returned Thursday to see how things have changed.
 
Workers are widening the ramp from Interstate 485 to Highway 160 adding lanes of traffic, improving intersections for the Charlotte Premium Outlet Mall that's close to completion.

J.C. Slawter was about to open her salon with just two stylists in January 2013.
 
Now she has seven stylists and many new customers who work nearby.
 
"We're getting a lot more (of a) customer base from there," Slawter said.
 
This Bojangles' is being built across from the mall and there are also rezoning signs on 62 acres on Shopton Road.
 
In March, a developer filed plans for a 1.4-million-square-foot office building.
 
Ward Hughes works at a nearby auto shop.
 
"Through here, we're getting a lot more traffic," Hughes said. "More new customers that are moving to the area didn't know this area existed."
 
Mall officials said its grand opening is July 31 but they've got a lot work left to do.
 
Plans also call for a 120-room hotel, gas station, convenience store, bus stop shelter and outdoor playground.