A pair of mansions overlooking Lake Norman might soon be hosting weddings and other exclusive events. The family behind the Griffin Brothers real estate and hospitality business is looking to rezone a property on Nantz Road, with plans to create a wedding venue between two high-end homes valued at a combined $8.4 million.
These properties are notably visible from the public beach and boat landing at Ramsey Creek Park, a popular spot for locals and visitors. Larry Griffin Jr., son of the family patriarch, presented the plans to Cornelius town commissioners, explaining that the venue would host about 12 events annually, including corporate retreats. He emphasized that the limited number of events was intentional, as the family’s “target demographic” is smaller and more exclusive.
Griffin shared that the goal of the project was not to profit from the land but to preserve it for future generations. “Our goal is to make enough money to preserve land, not use the land to make money,” he explained during the meeting.
The Griffin family recently held a wedding on the property on April 8, using a temporary tent at the site where the proposed 6,000-square-foot building would be located. Despite the family’s intentions, the project has faced some opposition. A neighboring resident expressed concerns about noise and traffic, though the Griffins countered by pointing out that the nearest home is 525 feet away, with a wooded park area offering additional separation from other residences.
In response to further concerns about the commercial nature of the venue, Cornelius Senior Planner Aaron Tucker assured that the rezoning is conditional and would not lead to widespread commercial development in the neighborhood. Currently, the property is zoned for low-density residential use.
The rezoning proposal is set to be reviewed by the town’s Planning Board in June or July, with potential for further discussions on how to balance the venue’s business needs with the concerns of local residents.
