The construction of the Center City Crossings apartments under construction in downtown Gastonia has started.

“This project has been around for a long time, but we’re delighted to be here,” said John Allen, director of development for South Carolina-based Kuester Development.

Gastonia has placed a fence around the development, eliminating access to a small city park where the apartments will be built. City crews are now removing park benches and landscaping in addition to removing asphalt and concrete.

AT&T and Dominion Energy companies will be moving their utilities out of the development area.

“It’s been a long journey,” said Kuester Development CEO Faison Kuester, “but it’s a necessary project and we’re ready to go. “

The $ 25 million project will be a six-story apartment building housing 90 units that will include a mix of one- to three-bedroom studios.

City leaders see the apartment complex as a game-changer for the downtown area, attracting permanent residents and new developments.

“This project was the missing link in the puzzle,” said Mayor Walker Reid.

“We always wanted people to live downtown,” added Reid.

Construction will take 18 months and the developers expect the project to be completed by the end of 2023.

Rent will cost between $ 1,000 for studio units and up to $ 1,950 for three-bedroom units.

Units will feature granite countertops, luxury vinyl tile wood floors, private balconies, and solid wood cabinetry. A car park adjacent to the building will provide 135 parking spaces, not counting the spaces made available to residents from the parking lot of the Gastonia Conference Center.

The apartments will have a courtyard seating area, a fitness center, a grill area and a rooftop area with seating areas.

Contact Janiya Winchester at 704-869-1842 or [email protected]