Charlotte's historic Excelsior Club is set for a comeback, as city officials put their stamp of approval on a multimillion-dollar redevelopment plan. Per a decision by the Charlotte City Council, an investment of $1.5 million was pledged, echoing a similar amount greenlit by the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, as reported by CharlotteNC.gov. Private and philanthropic sources are expected to cover the balance of the $8.3 million project cost.
Standing in the community with roots that run deep, the Excelsior Club's restoration is more than just refurbishing a building; it's about reinvigorating Beatties Ford Road. "This project is about more than restoring a building. It’s about supporting Beatties Ford and connecting with the incredible momentum happening here. It shows, in a very visible way, that change is coming," Council Member Malcolm Graham, who represents the district on which the project lies, told CharlotteNC.gov. Graham serves as chair of the Jobs & Economic Development Committee.
Founded in 1944, the club swiftly became a cultural and political hub within the Southeast's African American community, drawing high-profile individuals like Bill Clinton and iconic musicians such as Nat King Cole. Despite sitting vacant since 2016, the property has continued to hold significance, with previous redevelopment attempts stalling before this recent breakthrough. Shawn Kennedy and Tim Sittema, leading the redevelopment charge, are focused on transforming the Excelsior Club into a community and entertainment venue that honors its storied past.
The upgrade to the Excelsior aims to include a modern juke joint restaurant, complete with live music and healthy American cuisine – suitable for community engagement activities including festivals and performing arts workshops. "We are developing more than a project — we are perpetuating a legacy," Kennedy conveyed in a statement obtained by CharlotteNC.gov.
Efforts to preserve the site's historical integrity are being woven into the project, with the architecture's hallmark façade and entrance set for replication. The city's contributions have been rationed, with a significant portion coming from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and the remainder from the city's Corridors of Opportunity program. Security measures have been set, requiring developer compliance with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, while city funds will be released only subsequent to specified construction milestones being achieved. For up to a decade following completion, an annual impact report is expected to keep tabs on the project's community engagement promises.
Anticipated to break ground in 2027 and finish by late 2029, the project is on track to return the luminous beacon of the Excelsior Club to Beatties Ford Road, albeit with a much-awaited modern twist. For a city rich in history and ambition, the news of the Excelsior's revival nods to a future that respects and revitalizes its historical legacy.
