Expansion Earns Charlotte Business Journal Heavy Hitters Award

A transformative expansion at Taylor Glen has earned one of the Charlotte region’s top commercial real estate honors.

Taylor Glen was named the winner in the Top Apartment or Condominium Development, Suburban category at the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2026 Heavy Hitters Commercial Real Estate Awards this week.

For ThriveMore, the recognition celebrates a project designed around how older adults want to live, connect and receive care, as well as the collaboration required to bring that vision to life.

“This event celebrates more than just remarkable buildings — it recognizes the vision, the determination, and the collaboration that it takes to bring a project to life,” Bank OZK Chief Credit Officer John Carter told honorees during the ceremony.

That collaboration was something ThriveMore President and CEO Reed Vanderslik emphasized as soon as he took the stage to accept the award.

“Thank you,” Reed said. “We’re obviously very excited about this, very excited about the project. Thank you to SFCS Architects and Landmark Builders. Couldn’t have done it without you, so thank you.”

A partnership behind the transformation

ThriveMore worked closely with SFCS Architects and Landmark Builders to execute the multi-phase expansion while Taylor Glen remained an active senior living community over the past few years.

“At Landmark Builders, we believe the best projects come from strong relationships built on trust and a shared vision,” said Trae Wilson, Senior Director of Strategic Markets, adding that he is proud to have partnered with ThriveMore and SFCS at Taylor Glen.  

“It’s rewarding to be part of a project that enhances residents’ lives today while supporting the community’s continued growth for years to come,” he said.

The project encompassed more than 162,000 square feet of new construction and renovation, including 33 independent living cottages, a four-story building with 17 villa apartments, a 12-resident Green House® memory care home, extensive dining renovations and refreshed amenities.

The design combines contemporary finishes and residences filled with natural light with a pocket-neighborhood concept that places cottages around shared green space, helping encourage connection among neighbors.

“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the team that brought this special project to life,” said Kristie Mack, SFCS Senior Associate and Project Manager. “It was such a rewarding experience to work alongside so many talented people, and seeing the project recognized with this award makes it even more meaningful.”

Growing Taylor Glen for the future

The expansion grew out of both a need and an opportunity.

With Taylor Glen fully occupied and prospective residents waiting for the opportunity to join the community, ThriveMore invested nearly $70 million to increase capacity, enhance the resident experience and expand options for care. The project also created more than $1.2 million in new employment opportunities in dining, clinical, housekeeping and maintenance services.

Its impact is visible throughout the campus.

“This expansion has transformed Taylor Glen in ways our residents can experience every day,” said April Weddington, Taylor Glen’s Executive Director. “We have welcomed new neighbors, created new places to gather and introduced new options for care, all while preserving the sense of community that makes Taylor Glen special. This award is a wonderful recognition of everyone who helped make that possible.”

Building something that matters

That focus on impact was a recurring theme throughout the Heavy Hitters ceremony.

“The most meaningful developments aren’t measured solely in square footage or financial returns,” attorney and developer Larry Shaheen said. “They’re measured by the opportunities they create, the communities they strengthen, and the legacy that they leave behind.”

For Taylor Glen, those measures encompass new homes, new jobs, a new approach to long-term care and new spaces where residents can continue building relationships and enjoying life together.

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