Despite the setbacks small businesses experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, just a few years later, the lake at University City is making a major comeback. 

According to a report from PlacerAi, a software that provides insights on real estate properties, total visits to the lake rose from 2.6 million in 2021 to 3.4 million in 2024, a 42.2 percent increase in visitors in those three years. 

Anchors at the Shoppes at University Place include established favorites like Boardwalk Billy’s, The Wine Vault, Zapata’s, and Ninety’s Dessert Bar, while newcomers, like San Diego-based Finjan Coffee and It’s Poppin’ Gourmet Kettle Corn, are scheduled to open brick-and-mortar shops soon. 

Aside from dining, drinks, and dessert options, the lake provides an opportunity for the community to relax, with walking paths and paddle boats for rent. Local small businesses like Whitney’s Whittle Wonders dog grooming and City Art Room also call the Shoppes home. 

Since May 1, Collett & Associates has been providing management services for The Shoppes at University Place. “I’m personally very excited, as is our Collett team, to provide new management in the Charlotte University area and to have the opportunity to invest in marketing for our talented, diverse local tenant mix,” said David Martin, Vice President of Management Services with Collett & Associates.  

The firm also launched a new website to highlight the tenants and events. Martin also cited a recent study that found that Charlotte, compared with the top 50 largest metro areas by population in the U.S., had the “highest net in-migration.” 

“University City is now the second largest employment center in Charlotte. Collett & Associates is honored to have a unique partnership with University City Partners working in support of that growth and, specifically, this iconic open-air shopping destination enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” said Martin.

Research also also showed that, when people come to the lake, they tend to return. Of the roughly 1 million unique visitors who visit the area, they come back about four times on average.  

It’s no surprise that peak visitation occurs around certain major events, with the largest spike being during move-in for UNC Charlotte students. During that time, the lake hit a high of 17,000 visits.

The area also experiences more visits when University City Partners hosts its signature events, like the University City Farmers Market, which runs from May to October each year, Juneteenth Art Fest, and Charlotte’s Kids Fest. 

UCP’s Juneteenth Art Fest has allowed for the attendees a chance to learn about the history of Juneteenth through a show of different African American artists and performers. The number of visits reached a seasonal high of about 13,000.

Charlotte Kids Fest in April is a family event, in partnership with UNC Charlotte, that offers different zones that help cultivate creativity and spark interest in children. During that event, the number of visits spiked to 15,000. 

Winter months see a decline in visitors, but University City Partners’ inaugural UCity Lights event helped combat the slower season in 2023. Last year, around that holiday event, and in combination with shopping options, the lake saw over 10,000 visits.

“As we engage with local businesses and activate the lake with exciting events and enhancements, we are moving beyond the pandemic’s challenges,” said Keith Stanley, President and CEO of University City Partners. “University City Partners continues to be a key force in shaping this vibrant ‘third place’—a space where our diverse community can gather and connect. The lake has become that cherished space and will remain so for years to come.”