Apartment complex plans "transportation lobby" where light rail commuters can grab coffee, avoid bad weather

Residents at one of the area's newest apartment complexes will one day be able avoid bad weather, search the Web and grab a cup of coffee before hopping on the light rail line.

Developer Proffitt Dixon Partners has started construction on its 208-unit luxury community at New Bern Station along the Lynx light rail line.

Details released Monday show the company will build a "transportation lobby" so residents can wait for their train sheltered from the weather while having access to computer work stations, WiFi and a coffee machine. There will also be big-screen televisions and a camera along the tracks that will let passengers see when the train is nearby.

The lobby, which will have hardwood floors, will sit 50 feet from the light rail platform, according to developers.

“It’s so close that residents can wait comfortably in the lobby – protected from the weather – until the crossing arms begin to flash, signaling their train’s approach. In the mornings, they can relax and enjoy the coffee bar and morning news; in the evenings they can socialize before heading out on the town,” said Stuart Proffitt.

Developers have announced a spate of new projects for the Charlotte-region in the wake of the economic slowdown.

Many condominium projects planned for the popular light rail corridor have been shelved, but multifamily developers have continued building. Analysts expect more people to rent as the housing market remains weak and the number of younger workers grows. For example, developers recently announced plans for new apartments for Midtown near the Metropolitan project and uptown.

Proffitt Dixon's complex, Fountains at New Bern Station, will built on 4.7 acres.

To take a closer look, go to http://www.proffittdixon.com/.