In this episode of Building Connections, host Adam Rhew sits down with Lauren Harkey of Hodges Taylor and Andrew Baysden of Crescent Communities to explore how intentional public art transforms real estate projects into meaningful places.

From Crescent's famous "Pete the Troll" at the River District, now drawing visitors from around the world, to the scrappy origin story of the Goodyear Arts program in Uptown Charlotte, Lauren and Andrew share real examples of art that drove leasing, catalyzed the community and gave developers the permission to dream bigger.

They also break down the practical side: when to bring art in, how to budget for it, how to manage community engagement without losing artistic integrity and why having an expert project manager makes all the difference.

In this episode of Building Connections, host Nathan Daniel is joined by Shaun Tooley, partner at LandDesign, and Patrick Cooley, interior designer at LS3P.

Together they explore how thoughtful design across interiors, landscapes and architecture shapes the human experience.

The conversation covers emerging design trends, collaboration across disciplines, designing within tight budgets, sustainability best practices and how sensory elements like light, texture and sound influence the way people interact with spaces.

The episode also looks ahead at the future of design, including generational shifts, biophilic design and the role of AI as a tool in the creative process.

Capital is cautious, but opportunity remains in the Carolinas.  In this episode, host Kris Fetter of Faison is joined by JP Conklin of Pensford and Patrick Gildea of CBRE to explore what lies ahead for the economy, interest rates, and commercial real estate in 2026.

 They dive into investor sentiment, diverging Treasury yield forecasts, and the growing influence of AI on underwriting, investment strategy, and asset management. The conversation then shifts to Charlotte’s evolving investment landscape—from the rebound in office and industrial sectors to multifamily headwinds and the future of retail and healthcare properties.

Whether you're an investor, lender, or developer, this episode offers grounded insights into how national trends and local fundamentals are shaping Charlotte’s next chapter.

Housing is one of Charlotte’s most pressing needs, yet also one of its most complex and misunderstood challenges.

In this episode, host Beth Silverman sits down with AJ Jackson of Leo Impact Capital and Andy Lucas of Beauxwright to unpack the facts behind the headlines.

Together, they define what we really mean when we talk about housing, from affordable to market rate, and explore the realities, myths, and opportunities shaping the housing conversation in the Charlotte region.

From zoning and policy to costs and community attitudes, this conversation dives into what’s driving the housing shortage and what it will take to create a more balanced and attainable future for everyone.

Charlotte is growing faster than ever, but how will we keep the city moving? In this episode of Building Connections, host Tracy Dodson sits down with Ned Curran and David Howard to unpack the upcoming 2025 Mecklenburg County Transportation Referendum.

From the history of Charlotte’s transportation planning to the challenges of North Carolina’s state-controlled road network, they explore why new funding tools are being proposed and what better mobility could mean for congestion relief, development, and the region’s future growth.

With 36,000 cars being added to our roads every year, Ned, David and Tracy discuss the need for a clear plan to manage that increase.

This conversation goes beyond headlines to give you the context and clarity you need on one of Mecklenburg County’s biggest decisions.

In this episode of Building Connections, land use expert and host Bridget Grant sits down with developers Welch Liles (Asana Partners) and Brendan Pierce (Crescent Communities) to take listeners inside the full life cycle of a real estate development.

From shaping a vision and engaging the community to navigating site selection, capital constraints, rezoning battles, impacts of AI and design pivots, they share what it really takes to bring a project to life in today’s market.

Along the way, they discuss how placemaking adds lasting value and why adaptability matters more than ever.

In this episode of Building Connections, guest host Mike Ortlip sits down with Matt Martin, Regional Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte Branch.

They discuss the Federal Reserve’s role in the economy, monetary policy, and interest rates and explore how national decisions ripple through to the Carolinas' real estate market, workforce and rural development.

From cash circulation during disasters to the economic future of small towns, Matt offers grounded insights for real estate professionals, policymakers, and community leaders navigating a time of market uncertainty and opportunity.

In this episode, host Tobe Holmes goes in-depth with futurist and real estate innovator Nikki Greenberg to explore how technology is reshaping the spaces where we live, work and play.

From drone deliveries to AI-driven real estate management, Nikki

They also discuss generational shifts, regulatory hurdles and

In this episode recorded in late April 2025, we take a deep dive into the evolving retail landscape, from national capital trends to the local shifts happening across Charlotte. Host Brian Purcell, Partner at Cuadra Capital, is joined by Katie Grissom of Nuveen, who brings a national macroeconomic lens, and Charles Thrift of Thrift Commercial Real Estate Services, who offers deep insights into Charlotte’s local retail scene.

Together, they explore:

Whether you’re an investor, developer, or simply passionate about urban growth, this episode offers fresh perspective on how retail is bouncing back and what it means for the Queen City.

Tune in as we explore the evolution of Charlotte with former ULI Charlotte Chair Peter A. Pappas and Chair-Elect Rachel Krenz. We discuss how ULI has helped shape Charlotte’s growth, influencing key developments like the light rail and setting the bar for smart urban planning.

Looking ahead, we’ll discuss the creation of transformative projects while maintaining affordability, fostering resiliency, and reinventing Uptown. Our guests share insights on leadership, development trends, and how ULI continues to drive change.

Learn how you can get involved in shaping Charlotte’s next chapter!