Swinerton Delivers New Market On Morehead To South End

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Swinerton Builders has completed construction of Market on Morehead, the newest culinary and entertainment anchor at Carson Station. The 10,000-square-foot venue overlooking the Rail Trail officially opens to guests this May following a 9-month build-out. 

Designed by Charlotte-based architect Wagner Murray and interior designer Black Dove Interiors, Market on Morehead introduces an expansive, adaptable dining concept capable of hosting up to 400 guests. The space features a sunken dining room with 62 tables and custom banquettes, a double-sided bar offering 50 seats and a patio complete with a pergola and 25-foot LED display.  

The new restaurant, located at 1001 Morehead Drive, is co-owned by restauranteur Josh Willoughby and draws inspiration from his acclaimed Market on Main in Columbia, SC. 

“We have been so excited to see the level of anticipation for the grand opening and are thrilled to welcome guests to our community hub,” shares Willoughby. “Market on Morehead is Charlotte’s complete destination for unique twists on classic American fare, creative concoctions and laid-back entertainment.” 

Upon entry, guests encounter a central water feature that leads into a vibrant interior defined by coffered ceilings, bold tilework, mirrored and folding glass walls and flexible configurations for private dining. The dog-friendly patio includes a closeable louvered roof, built‑in heaters, misters, and retractable side screens that shield against wind and rain, creating a semi–climate‑controlled space guests can enjoy comfortably year‑round. 

“Our team specializes in delivering high‑quality spaces within active environments,” said Thomas Ivy, project executive, Swinerton’s Carolinas division. “For Market on Morehead, thoughtful scheduling and communication were essential to keeping the surrounding businesses running smoothly while maintaining our stringent construction pace.” To achieve the signature sunken dining room, Swinerton excavated three feet into the existing slab across a 1,100-square-foot footprint—an effort that transformed the originally low‑ceilinged space into an inviting, bistro‑style environment. The team also constructed performance stages that will showcase local musicians and community programming.  

Swinerton’s self‑perform crews completed door installations, concrete trench pour backs and several specialty finish elements. 

Ranked among the nation’s top five restaurant construction firms by Building Design + Construction, Swinerton continues to expand its hospitality footprint across the Carolinas. Market on Morehead is the latest example, joining projects such as Antagonist Coffee & Cocktail Bar, Tipsy Pickle, North Carolina’s first STK Steakhouse, and multiple Rare Roots Hospitality concepts—including Chapter 6, Fin + Fino, and Joan’s Bakery. The firm also delivered the Triangle’s first Emmy Squared in Durham. 

Since expanding to the Southeast in 2018, the Carolinas Division has constructed more than $700 million of commercial environments. The dedicated team of over 70 construction leaders specializes in corporate interiors, office, healthcare, education, restaurants and hospitality, multifamily, civic and mass timber construction.