University might open in Arrowood

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Pittsburgh-based Education Management Corp. is seeking to open one of its South University campuses in Charlotte, but first it needs to win a rezoning from the city.

EMC operates South Universities in a handful of other states, although none are in North Carolina. The only schools EMC operates in North Carolina are the Art Institute of Charlotte and the Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham.

Charlotte-based commercial real estate developer SunCap Property Group has submitted the rezoning request to build a 40,000-square-foot building for South University on 3.5 acres at 8805 Red Oak Blvd.

SunCap could not be reached for comment.

Mark Toth, EMC spokesman, said that while the company is planning to come to Charlotte, “nothing is firm at this time as we wait to hear back from the city.”

The land, on the east side of Interstate 77 and near the intersection of the interstate and West Arrowood Road, is zoned B-D, or distribution center business. SunCap is seeking a rezoning to B-2, or general business.

The property is part of a 6.7-acre site that is partially zoned B-2. If the rezoning is approved, the entire site would become B-2.

A rezoning hearing is set for Monday.

The adjoining pieces of property in the area are mostly zoned B-D. Also near the property are approximately 10 acres zoned R-4, or residential with a maximum number of four houses per lot, along Choyce Circle.

An industrial zone is also nearby, along the south side of West Arrowood Road.

South University is a for-profit college owned by EMC, which operates South University campuses in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

South University offers courses in business, criminal justice, graphic design, health care, information technology, legal and paralegal studies, nursing and creative arts, according to its website.

On its website, SunCap, which developed NASCAR Plaza, describes itself as an investment, development and advisory firm that specializes in the development of “long-term credit build-to-suit facilities.”

BAUGHMAN can be reached at [email protected].

SCHOOL STATS

SunCap Property Group has asked the city of Charlotte to rezone a site where a South University campus would open. Here’s a look at the project.

 Address: 8805 Red Oak Blvd.

Current zoning: B-D, distribution center business

Requested zoning: B-2, general business

Acres: 3.5

Source: Mecklenburg Times staff research