North Carolina Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Kannapolis, North Carolina

Population: 36,910

Located in Cabarrus County

Kannapolis is a thriving city of 38,245 people located along the I-85 corridor in the Charlotte-region of North Carolina. The history of Kannapolis entered a new era on July 30, 2003 when Pillowtex officials announced the closing of their 16 facilities nationwide and in Canada. Because the decline of Pillowtex took over 20 years, the City had the opportunity to develop a strong local government and viable economy.

In the past decade, a new a $4 million YMCA, a Senior Center, a Public Library, a baseball stadium for the Kannapolis Intimidators, a Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and Kannapolis Gateway Businesses Park are examples of the successful partnerships that are improving the community, attracting new business and creating new jobs.

Kannapolis has three school systems within its jurisdiction. There are also numerous colleges and universities within two hours of the city. Kannapolis also has many attractions, sites and events and is centrally located to even more throughout the Charlotte-metro region.

BIOTECH COMES TO CABARRUS COUNTY
City of Kannapolis: The NC Research Campus, based in Kannapolis, is a stunning joint venture between Dole Foods, Duke University and the University of North Carolina system. Built on the site of a former textile mill, this campus-like redevelopment forges a bold new path for the City. The major components of the campus include the Dole-NC State Institute for Advanced Fruit and Vegetable Science; the UNC Center for Excellence in Nutrition; a science boarding school for girls directed by UNC Charlotte; a state-of-the-art Dole Analytical Laboratory; a fermentation facility; and an incubator for start-up firms. Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) will also establish a major presence within the development. Duke University will also locate its Institute for Translational Medicine to the NC Research Campus. In addition to the Institute, Duke scientists will also run the Core Lab. David Murdock, CEO of Dole Foods, Castle & Cooke, and former owner of Cannon Mills, is the visionary catalyst for the North Carolina Research Campus and will build the complex. His total investment is projected at $1 billion for research facilities, office space, town homes and retail. The UNC institutions will then fund and operate their individual programs. Mr. Murdock envisions a campus where researchers walk to work, talented high school students mingle with internationally renowned scientists, and citizens of Kannapolis find opportunity for solid employment and growth. Through this development in downtown, Kannapolis will truly become a new city for a new century.

Source: ci.kannapolis.nc.us