B
irkdale Village in Huntersville has changed hands again, this time to Houston‑based Hines, a $92 billion real‑estate investor. The 673,000‑sq‑ft mixed‑use center, previously owned by a Nuveen‑Jamestown joint venture, is now managed by Hines’ U.S. core‑plus fund. This marks the third ownership shift since 2024 and has reignited local worries about the 2024 rezoning that cleared the way for a boutique hotel, new apartments, office space, parking decks and expanded retail.

    “People knew this was going to happen,” said Julia Kiewit, a nearby resident who opposed the prior expansion plan. She warned that the new development could turn the village into a “New York City skyline,” citing parking, density, safety and the loss of Birkdale’s character.

    The property currently boasts 255,000 sq‑ft of retail, 99 % leased to tenants such as Apple, lululemon, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma, and 320 apartments above the shops, 97 % leased with studios, one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units plus a pool, fitness center and dog park. Construction under the new ownership has not yet begun.

    Jamestown’s spokesperson told WCNC that all rezoning commitments remain binding in the sale. Hines’ managing director, Paul Zarian, said the firm will first understand Birkdale’s operations before deciding how to meet community needs.