Decision Made On Future Of SouthPark Apartments Destroyed In Fire

I drive by the site of the SouthPark apartments that were engulfed in flames from a huge 5-alarm fire a few months ago daily. The pictures and video of this tragedy that killed two construction workers made national news. The apartment building was under construction and a fire sparked quickly spreading to the entire site. Charlotte Fire was able to extinguish the blaze and keep it from spreading to any of the numerous buildings nearby, which is a true miracle and testament to their work. But since that fateful day, the charred construction site including a crane, has stook untouched in the busy neighborhood. Now WCNC is reporting that the development company behind the project has made a decision on it's future.

According to information relayed to WCNC from Mill Creek Residential, the remains of the structure are set to be demolished. They have filed permits for that to happen. They will however rebuild the property after that demolition occurs. The company expects demolition to be completed by the end of the year. Investigation into the safety procedures of the construction company are still being investigated.

Would you feel comfortable living in a building constructed on the site of a deadly fire? This isn't a cheap area so these apartments will surely be rather pricey. But part of me would always be scared that the area is cursed. Plus knowing two individuals tragically died in such a horrible way, I just don't think I could live here. It will be interesting to see if other people feel the same way and if they have trouble filling the units once completed. I just don't think I'll ever be able to get the images of the SouthPark apartments and the fire out of my mind. I live two blocks from this site. And I could still smell the smoke when I returned home from work.

When you're looking to purchase a home, looking outside the city limits and in the suburbs is the best option for many people. You can typically get more home for your money, more outdoor living space, in many cases better schools, and a slightly more family friendly way of life. This is certainly true in the Charlotte market. And new research from Today's Homeowner that was shared with us, determined the top suburbs across the country. They looked a 580 suburbs surrounding the 78 largest cities in the country. And they determined that the top Charlotte suburb? It's actually right across the border in South Carolina.

The rankings are based on housing affordability, inventory, job market and livability (climate risk, entertainment and dining, etc.) metrics. And the it was the Charlotte suburb of Fort Mill, SC that actually ranked as the second best suburb nationwide. Not only that but when it came to livability this city ranked in the top spot. Fort Mill was boosted not only for it's livability score but it's inventory aka the number of homes available. Taxes across the border are typically cheaper as well as gas. The downside to living in Fort Mill? The commute into uptown Charlotte during the workweek. Fort Mill wasn't the only Charlotte suburb that was recognized positively in this study. Overall Charlotte ranked as having the second best suburbs. Only Nashville, a city who has seen similar growth in a similar time period as Charlotte.

Keep reading to see where each Charlotte suburb ranked in this study. Interested in the full research or methodology? You can find that via Today's Homeowner here. If you're looking to buy a home anywhere in the Charlotte region, suburb or not, good luck. It's tough out there!

Tenth on this list is the Lake Norman town of Cornelius, NC. Residents and visitor loves the 54 miles of shoreline. But that lakefront property does come with a price tag.

A short drive south to South Carolina and you'll find Rock Hill, SC. The city is growing like never before with wonderful amenities like shops, dining, activities, and more plus all the benefits of living in South Carolina.

Don't let your preconceived and outdated opinions of Gastonia sway you from calling this Gaston County city home. There are more things than ever to do in the county's largest city including breweries, restaurants, shopping, and more. Plus you're close to Charlotte and other fun towns in the county like Belmont and McAdenville.

The southernmost city on Lake Norman is the 7th best suburb of Charlotte. Hunsterville is a short drive up 77 but has tons to offer especially at Birkdale Village. And they recently dodged a lagoon project that residents adamantly opposed.

Kannapolis sits in both Rowan and Cabarrus County. The city boasts a minor league baseball team, Village Park, and quaint downtown, as well as the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

Located just outside of Charlotte still in Mecklenburg County is Matthews, NC. The town borders Charlotte with easy access to the city. The downtown is growing and features breweries, restaurants, parks, and more.

Mooresville, NC is also known as Race City USA. The last of our Lake Norman towns, Mooresville is home to many NASCAR drivers. There are also numerous festivals, a craft beer trail, delicious restaurants, and did we mention the lake?

Concord Mills Mall and Charlotte Motor Speedway are just some of what Concord has to offer. This city has all the breweries, restaurants, shopping, and more you could want, still with a small-town feel.

Located off 74 Indian Trail in Union County has easy access to so many other places in the area. Not only is it ranked the 2nd best suburb in the Charlotte area, it is ranked 14th nationwide. Not bad Indian Trail not bad!

And of course you already know Fort Mill took the top spot on this list! If you haven't paid a visit recently what are you waiting for?