We want you to
know our story

This website is designed to answer your questions about the proposed Master Planned Santé Matthews project through a straightforward presentation of the facts. We invite you to use this site and the information outlined in the FAQs below to learn about an exciting new addition to the Town of Matthews.

Part of the Eastern Gateway Plan

Santé Matthews represents the assemblage of 14 parcels from 4 separate landowners needed to implement the master plan community envisioned by the Town of Matthews Eastern Gateway Plan. The Santé Matthews plan meets all ten of the plan objectives set in the Town of Matthews Eastern Gateway Plan, which was adopted by the Town in November 2021.

A vibrant, walkable, wellness-focused
master-planned mixed-use community

Guided by placemaking principles, the master-planned community of Santé Matthews will feature a centrally located park open to the public, surrounded by restaurants, retail uses, and office space.

Residences within the community will include for-sale, single-family detached homes and townhomes; rental residences for ages 55+ such as detached cottages homes and apartments; and apartment homes adjacent to I-485. A mix of residents is anticipated to call Santé Matthews home, from young families to people 55+ years of age who are ready for hassle-free living with no yard maintenance and want a sense of community with people who are in the same place in life.

Sustainability is at the core
of the Wellness Center

The Santé Wellness center will be a leader in sustainable design and environmentally conscious engineering. Our building puts the environment and people first through responsible water usage and energy + carbon reduction. We intend to create the “greenest building” in the Carolinas by prioritizing a healthy interior environment and biophilic design. This building will demonstrate Santé Matthews and the town of Matthews' commitment to moving the world toward a greener, more sustainable future via the built environment.

Sante Matthews Commitments
and Community Benefits(PDF)
Compare The Original Plan to
the Updated Plan (PDF)
View the Santé Matthews
Transportation Improvements (PDF)
View the Santé Matthews
David Weekley For Sale Homes
View the Santé Matthews
Active Adult and Rental Homes
View the Santé Matthews
Restaurants and Neighborhood Retail

FAQ

PLAN CHANGES
How has the plan changed from the first time presented to the public?

The Santé Matthews team has met with neighborhood representatives and Matthews staff and elected officials to understand their concerns better. We have made several changes to the plan to reflect feedback from the Windrow surrounding neighborhoods, such as a decrease in the total density, an increase in the number of for-sale houses, moving the denser product types close to I-485, revising the road network to better align with neighborhoods to the north, and create more green and park space.
How has the density changed?

The Santé Matthews plan has decreased the total residential density from 662 total units to 570 total units.
How has the road network changed?

We have shifted Stallings Road realignment further from the existing neighborhoods. The new Stallings Road realignment will be connected to a roundabout at Idlewild Road and Davis Trace Drive. This will maintain full turning movements for Davis Trace traffic and improve access and safety to Idlewild Road.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
What community amenities will be provided?

The proposed community will include a new park surrounded by restaurants, shops, and offices, with a gathering pavilion for community-wide events and celebrations. Sidewalks and trees will be featured on all new streets, with an extra wide walking and biking path along Stallings Road and Idlewild Road.  As envisioned by the Town, Santé Matthews brings more than a bedroom community by providing a mix of uses, including retail shops, offices, and restaurants centered around a public community park, all surrounded by various housing types.
NATURE
How would the environmental features of the land be protected?

17% of the land area will remain wooded, and preserved areas will include the existing wetlands and the stream along the western boundary.

Approximately 900 new trees will be planted along all new streets and in parking lots, and if suitable trees can be identified on the property, they will be moved to the new park.
Can existing infrastructure accommodate the growth?

Yes, existing water mains and sanitary sewer lines are sufficient for the increased use, according to Charlotte Water. The Santé Matthews plan is also low impact designed so that all stormwater runoff will pass through one of five water management ponds and ultimately to the North Fork Tributary floodplain.
SCHOOLS
What schools would this community be attending?

The schools for the project area are Mint Hill Elementary, Mint Hill Middle School, and Butler High School.
How would the Santé Matthews plan impact schools?

Our proposed community would generate 136 additional students in the public schools per CMS formulas, with only 37 additional students above the existing zoning. This change is due to the number of single-family for-sale homes we added to the plan per our discussions with the neighbors.
TRANSPORTATION
Traffic on Idlewild Road is terrible. How would this not make it even worse?

A rezoning by the Town requires that new road improvements be made to mitigate existing traffic problems and the proposed project’s impacts. In accordance with the project, NCDOT will relocate Stallings Road to align with Davis Trace Dr and construct a roundabout at the Idlewild intersection. Stallings Road and Davis Trace will maintain all turning movements and higher safety through the roundabout. The project will make several other improvements, including a widening along Idlewild Road up to 5 lanes; adding new local streets with large sidewalks, ample lighting, and street trees; and the construction of 10’ wide bike and walking paths on Idlewild road and 12’ wide on Stallings Road. Our proposal will accelerate the NCDOT roundabout by several years and make substantial other improvements that would otherwise not be made without this development.
How can we trust that the traffic improvements and public park will be built?

The roadway improvements will be a requirement of the Town and NCDOT—and they must be completed before any part of the community is occupied. Regarding the park, Pappas Properties is committed to building this community asset in the first phase of development, as we believe the park and gathering place will attract new residents and authentic restaurant customers.
DENSITY
Where is the greatest housing density in the project?

The greatest density in the project are the apartments along I-485.
How much housing is for-sale versus for-rent in the modified plan?

The community will include 125 for sale detached and townhomes residences and 445 units will be for-rent.
Who is the renter for the for-rent housing?

The active adult rental homes are all restricted to ages 55+. These residents want to simplify their life, gain a sense of community with people in the same stage of life, and have amenities that are geared for them.

The remaining for-rent housing will be marketed to young and mature professionals.
Who will own the rental housing?

Pappas Properties and its financial partners will own all rental homes for years. The properties will be well maintained to uphold the community’s high quality of life and attract responsible residents.
Are there affordable units suitable for teachers, police officers, firefighters, Matthews Town employees, etc.?

Yes, there will be 14 attainable apartments for rent and 10 attainable homes for sale for a total of 24 attainable units. The 14 attainable apartment units will be leased to households earning equal to or less than 80% of the area median income for Mecklenburg County. The average income for these renters will typically range between $50,000 to $80,000 annually.

The 10 attainable units for sale will be sold for below market prices to qualified median income households. There will be a priority to sell to First Responders, Active Military, Veterans, Teachers, and households that already live and/or work in Matthews. The Developer is donating the land and infrastructure (estimated value of $85,000 per home) to deliver a quality product at a below market price. The average income for these homebuyers will typically range between $60,000 to $100,000 annually.
Are any of the affordable housing units’ section 8?

No, because the affordable units are offered voluntarily, without any government subsidy, we will not accept section 8 vouchers.

DEVELOPER COMMITMENT

Pappas Properties is an industry leader in creating innovative, experience-driven communities. Combining a strategic approach with a deep understanding of local market complexities, the firm is known for its company-wide commitment to the highest level of sustainability and health-forward residential development. Its vision for Santé Matthews is a vibrant community conceived and built to sustainable building practices—offering residents of every generation a balanced lifestyle filled with purpose, meaningful connections, and opportunities for optimal physical and mental well-being.

“Our vision is to create a wellness-centric residential community founded on quality housing, a public gathering space for social opportunities and healthier living.”
—Peter Pappas, Founder & CEO, Pappas Properties