Charlotte, N.C.-based Ghazi Co., which is planning a major mixed-use development in downtown Milwaukee, is making progress on building a similar, but larger, development in Charlotte according to a recent news report.
In Charlotte, Ghazi Co. is building EpiCentre, which will have more than 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space, 414 luxury condominiums, and a 176-room Aloft hotel. To see the project’s progress check out the construction web cam.
In Milwaukee, Ghazi Co. plans to build Catalyst, an 800,000-square-foot complex to three connected buildings, on a parking lot southwest of Wisconsin Avenue and North Fourth Street, with more than 200 residents, a 160-room hotel and 150,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space.
Plans for the Milwaukee project are progressing, said Ghazi Co. associate Armin Ghazi.
"We’re plugging along," he said. "We’re getting our construction pricing. We do plan to break ground this year."
Although the collapse of the housing market has made many lenders more cautious about financing large commercial developments, Ghazi said high quality projects at prime locations can still obtain financing.
"There’s still money out there," he said. "We’re in discussions with several sources."
