An Atlanta-based developer is wasting no time turning a long-idled corporate site in University Research Park into new housing. Flournoy Development Group says it has closed on land once held by Centene and is moving straight into a two-phase project that will bring hundreds of rental homes to the area. The move repurposes one of the last large vacant tracts in the office-heavy University City submarket.
Sale and start
According to Charlotte Business Journal, Flournoy bought nearly 52 acres from Centene, with the transaction recorded March 27, 2026, and told the outlet it would break ground immediately on a two-phase development that includes a 318-unit apartment community at 10200 Claude Freeman Drive. The parcels sit east of Claude Freeman Drive and north of David Taylor Drive inside University Research Park.
Plans and product
Flournoy is marketing the site as Declan Research Park and says the project will feature amenity-focused buildings with resident lounges, coworking spaces and outdoor gathering areas. The company’s portfolio page lists the Charlotte entry as “Under Development” and ties it to the Declan brand, with property management to be handled by Flournoy Properties Group.
Rezoning, transport and public benefits
City planning documents show the parcel covered by Rezoning Petition 2024-110 measures about 51.78 acres and that staff recommended approval in March 2025, reflecting a shift from office to a community activity center zoning that allows multifamily. The city’s pre-hearing analysis outlines proposed public benefits including dedicating two acres for open space, building to National Green Building Standards (bronze) and a $10,000 parks contribution, along with transportation upgrades such as turn lanes, widened sidewalks and an ADA-accessible bus stop.
From corporate campus to housing
The land was originally envisioned as part of Centene’s East Coast headquarters before that campus was scaled back and largely abandoned, and the primary office building was later sold. Commercial Property Executive reported in 2024 that Vanguard bought the main campus building, leaving Centene with undeveloped parcels that developers have been pursuing.
Local impacts to watch
Planners say the proposal would add housing variety to an area dominated by offices and could help fill gaps in nearby amenities and services. The city’s review flagged likely school and transportation impacts tied to the development, so how quickly streets, utilities and other upgrades are handled will influence the pace of vertical construction.
Next steps
With the land sale and rezoning work now on record, the next milestones to watch are detailed permitting, required traffic and utility work, and construction-phase filings from the developer and its contractors. Neighbors and local officials will have chances to weigh in as infrastructure and entitlement tasks move forward before large-scale building begins.
