Roughly 20,000 sq. ft. of event space in existing homes | Photo: Griffin Family
Dec. 20. By Dave Yochum. Members of the Griffin family, former owners of the Griffin Brothers Tires, Wheels & Auto Repair chain, have unveiled plans to turn lakefront property on Nantz Road into an events venue. The project, which would need approval from the town, includes three smaller residences on a separate and adjacent parcel where the Griffins would live.
Right now the larger property is well-known for the two stately mansions just past Ramsey Creek Park, one the home of patriarch Larry Griffin Sr. and the other Larry Griffin Jr. and their families. Mike Griffin and his family would occupy the third home proposed for the property.
The Griffins hope to downsize and build much smaller homes, separated by a gate from the two mansions and a large field that will be used for event parking.
The property in its entirety consists of 12 acres, most likely the largest waterfront parcel in North Mecklenburg that is in private hands.
The Griffins: Larry Jr., Larry Sr., and Mike
“The goal is to keep the property in the family for another couple of generations,” Mike Griffin said.
Details
The smaller homes, in the 3,000- to 3,500 square foot range, establsh a family compound adjacent to the event venue which would be used on an occasional basis, he explained.
A tent suitable for outdoor weddings would be located between the two mansions, each of which is in the neighborhood of 10,000 square feet. Both are assessed at more than $4 million by Mecklenburg County.
Two existing homes formerly owned by the Baker family would be torn down and replaced with the three smaller homes in the family compound.
Key points | Source: Griffin Family
The proposal was presented at yesterday’s Pre-Development Review Committee meeting at Town Hall.
Mayor Woody Washam called it a “fabulous proposal.”
“We had discussed how this area could be developed and to see the plans for this family compound and events venue come together is pretty cool. I don’t see this having a major impact on the neighborhood,” he said.
Mike Griffin said they will be in contact with neighbors to explain their plans. “The event venue is pointed toward the 43-acre Ramsey Creek Park which provides tremendous sound and visual buffering,” he said.
What’s next
After possible revisions, the proposal is expected to begin the review process starting with a community meeting next year.
Griffin family businesses include Griffin Brothers Acquisitions, Pine Island Country Club and landfills as well as ZoomUp Investments, an enterprise located on Liverpool that holds a 10 percent to 15 percent stake in small growth companies.
Event space and future homes | Source: Griffin Family
