New Mixed-Use Development Bringing Organic Farm and Village Life to Lake Norman

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A major new development is taking shape in Davidson, blending agriculture, dining, and housing into one destination.

Summit Farms, a 62-acre mixed-use development from the team behind Summit Coffee, is expected to open in spring 2027. The project aims to create a European-inspired village centered around food, community, and open space.

At the heart of the development will be a 10-acre organic working farm, supplying fresh produce, herbs, and flowers directly to on-site businesses. Plans include a market, deli, and wood-fired pizza restaurant that will use ingredients grown steps away.

Construction is already underway, beginning with infrastructure, trails, and the initial phase of the commercial village. Early plans also include gathering spaces designed to create a walkable, outdoor-focused environment.

Details

According to the Town of Davidson’s conditional master plan, Summit Farms will combine residential, commercial, and agricultural uses into a single mixed-use community.

The development is planned for 19300 Shearer Road and will include:

  • Up to 109 residential units, including affordable housing
  • A mix of commercial buildings and retail spaces
  • A working farm integrated into daily community life
  • Multi-use paths connecting the site to surrounding areas
  • At least 45% preserved open space throughout the property

Additional plans call for a residential section known as “The Preserve,” featuring single-family homes on larger lots, as well as potential hospitality elements like an inn.

Background

The project has been in development for several years and received town approval after extensive planning and public input. Officials have positioned it as a model for sustainable, small-scale agricultural communities.

Developers say the concept responds to the growing difficulty of maintaining small farms, aiming to integrate agriculture directly into a modern, mixed-use environment.

Local impact

Summit Farms is expected to become a major destination near Lake Norman, attracting visitors for dining, shopping, and outdoor experiences.

For the Charlotte region, the project represents a shift toward farm-to-table living and walkable development, while preserving large portions of land as open space.