210 Trade | EpiCentre

[KJHburg]

42 minutes ago, RANYC said:

My take is that someone saw a concept in downtown Nashville, and thought an Epicentre remake might borrow from and incorporate aspects of that concept.  Is 5th and Broadway's success staked on Nashville's tourism, or is it mostly utilized by office workers?  If the latter, I'm not sure why it wouldn't work in Charlotte.

It is both appeals to tourists and locals.  Not sure how many tourists would come to Nashville to buy an I-phone at the Apple store but clearly the food hall caters to both.  The rest of the retailers would appeal to tourists and some locals.  

Okay I will go back to what I said a long time ago about new retailers here that could help revitalize this place greatly.  TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Nordstrom Rack and even Primark since they are opening their first store at Concord Mills and this British based retailer has lots of urban stores in NYC.  These stores (maybe not some of your preferred stores) but they attract the masses believe me and are very unrepresented in central Charlotte (with the exception of Marshalls at the Metropolitan)    Where can you buy clothing in uptown Charlotte?  I can count only a few stores where you could.   For example I am here on business uptown and need a tie I forgot to pack where I could buy one uptown?  Or a belt?  Or a pair of socks? 

Edited April 5, 2023 by KJHburg

[Madison Parkitect]

12 hours ago, RANYC said:

My take is that someone saw a concept in downtown Nashville, and thought an Epicentre remake might borrow from and incorporate aspects of that concept.  Is 5th and Broadway's success staked on Nashville's tourism, or is it mostly utilized by office workers?  If the latter, I'm not sure why it wouldn't work in Charlotte.

Everything on Broadway is staked on Tourism, that's the only reason that area exists. I'm not trying to put anyone's opinion down, I'd love for something like that to exist in Uptown, I'm just saying it's pointless to compare an area like Broadway to Uptown. It's like trying to compare Bourbon Street to Uptown, it just doesn't work.

[Temeteron]

21 minutes ago, Madison Parkitect said:

Everything on Broadway is staked on Tourism, that's the only reason that area exists. I'm not trying to put anyone's opinion down, I'd love for something like that to exist in Uptown, I'm just saying it's pointless to compare an area like Broadway to Uptown. It's like trying to compare Bourbon Street to Uptown, it just doesn't work.

It can be on a smaller scale.  Charlotte has way more tourism than it used to.  It doesn’t have to be as big as 5th + Broadway but something similar is what I’m saying.  

[KJHburg]

well I heard a rumor they have 8 pending other tenants yet to announce here at QC Quarter so more good news maybe forthcoming.  (this is an additional to the 4 they have already announced) 

[KJHburg]

Inch by inch they are repositioning this center to something more sustainable than mostly bars.  It did not decline overnight and wont be repositioned overnight either but they are making progress.

""Sea Grill Restaurant and Bar has signed a deal at the rebranded Queen City Quarter in uptown Charlotte. That 9,275-square-foot restaurant will span two levels there — formerly the Epicentre. It will occupy the former Blackfinn Ameripub space.

Dallas-based CBRE says that concept will “comprise striking presentations, daily fresh seafood delivery and a unique menu.” There will be dishes such as salmon stuffed with crab and lobster, a soup bouillabaisse with two pounds of seafood and whole fish selections, as well as oysters and caviar. Options such as deer medallions and a tomahawk surf and turf are planned.  

Sea Grill is the latest tenant confirmed for the 302,324-square-foot mixed-use development at 210 E. Trade St. CBREhas signed deals with Portal 123, Nostalgia Hollow Co., Cajun Market and Super Icy Brothers, which are slated to open later this year. The commercial real estate firm also renewed several existing tenants including World of Beer, Mortimer’s Cafe & Pub and Bowlero. 

Queen City Quarter has 168,000 square feet of retail spanning two levels, according to a property flyer. It shows that just over 70,000 square feet is available for lease — the bulk of which, 52,220 square feet, is on the project’s Overstreet level. Nine of the available spots are second-generation restaurant spaces, ranging from 1,872 to 10,168 square feet.

A lease is in negotiation for a 2,450-square-foot former restaurant space.""

I am not sure if this is locally owned or part of a South Florida collection of restaurants.

https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2023/05/23/sea-grill-restaurant-and-bar-uptown-charlotte.html

 

[CharlotteWkndBuzz]

Sports betting is very close to being legal in NC. I’ve said before that the Epicentre needs a strong anchor to create a legit gravitational pull to the area. There’s already two hotels attached, direct connection to the light rail and parking. Create a state of the art sports book here. With the potential of a reimagined CTC with hornets practice courts etc, the entertainment district could be sponsored by Fan Duels or draft kings or something similar and could open the doors to endless opportunities imo. 

There’s a lot of big spaces that are vacant. You could turn the old SMG movie theater into one large room with video walls of all the games like a Vegas sports book. Or the old golds gym. Enso’s old spot or one of the clubs. Lot of options. The amount of foot traffic this place would generate would help attract other retailers as well. 

Edited June 5, 2023 by CharlotteWkndBuzz

[KJHburg]

another tenant signed up Stoners Pizza.

""Stoner’s Pizza Joint has landed its first Charlotte location — and more are on the horizon. The quick-service pizza franchise has signed a lease for a 2,540-square-foot restaurant and bar at Queen City Quarter, formerly the Epicentre. It is targeting a fall opening.""

https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2023/06/14/stoners-pizza-joint-charlotte-expansion.html?cx_testId=40&cx_testVariant=cx_23&cx_artPos=1#cxrecs_s

[RANYC]

Queen City Quarter supposedly broke ground on a renovation a couple weeks back but I've seen nothing yet when walking by.  Anyone observe any movement?

Edited June 15, 2023 by RANYC

[go_vertical]

I walked through this place for the first time in years and there was one thing inparticular that stood out to me as extremely dangerous.  I couldn't believe the condition of the stairs that come down alongside the escalator on College.  The metal edging of each and every step has rusted and is literally separating from the concrete resulting in pretty massive tripping hazards.  The toes of my shoes got hung up  numerous times.  I'm honestly floored that we haven't heard  a news report of someone breaking their neck from a fall here.  I wish I would have thought of taking a photo so everyone could see just how big of an issue it is.  I went up the steps beside the elevator and those are fine, but these need to be closed off until repairs are done.

[CLT Development]

1 hour ago, go_vertical said:

I walked through this place for the first time in years and there was one thing inparticular that stood out to me as extremely dangerous.  I couldn't believe the condition of the stairs that come down alongside the escalator on College.  The metal edging of each and every step has rusted and is literally separating from the concrete resulting in pretty massive tripping hazards.  The toes of my shoes got hung up  numerous times.  I'm honestly floored that we haven't heard  a news report of someone breaking their neck from a fall here.  I wish I would have thought of taking a photo so everyone could see just how big of an issue it is.  I went up the steps beside the elevator and those are fine, but these need to be closed off until repairs are done.

I'm about to head over there to pick up something from CVS I'll take some shots.

[dylansukkert]

Appears to be lots of work going on in the main area across CVS. I believe they are replacing all the steps. 

[DMann]

shouldn't that be missteps?

[RANYC]

Just now, DMann said:

shouldn't that be missteps?

Very good.  I’d gladly owe you a beer for that one.

[DMann]

make it wine and you have a deal!  

[KJHburg]

Photos of the Epicenter renovation.  In walking through this place for the first time in a long time it is important given its location to be turned around.  Given its 3 hotels on site this is the first place many will experience uptown Charlotte.  

[CLT Development]

On 8/23/2023 at 2:48 PM, KJHburg said:

Photos of the Epicenter renovation.  In walking through this place for the first time in a long time it is important given its location to be turned around.  Given its 3 hotels on site this is the first place many will experience uptown Charlotte.  

What's everyone's bet on this renovation being successful? 

[KJHburg]

7 hours ago, CLT Development said:

What's everyone's bet on this renovation being successful? 

It depends on what kind of tenants they attract so far more restaurants.  I would try service businesses like more doctor offices etc. As I said we need this to go good given its location uptown and surrounded by hotels, transit etc.  

[go_vertical]

If the new ownership doesn't bite the bullet and allocate the funds for a sizeable security presence then I fear that we'll end up having a repeat of what this place devolved into before the shutdowns just with a fresh coat of paint.  All it's going to take is one or two nasty incidents to take place and the narrative that this place is just as dangerous as it was will be set in stone.

[Rufus]

12 hours ago, CLT Development said:

What's everyone's bet on this renovation being successful? 

This assumed two things: 

1. You might know something we don't

2. You don't think it will be successful 

 

I'll add my two cents here - I was super excited for Epicentre, even as it was VE'd to death. I think it serves a unique function as being the central source for retail Uptown. Now, that's only as a result of a vision that has otherwise gone awry. And I think the new owners should look at the rehab as twofold: quality of space and quality of tenant. The easiest to fix is the quality of space. Put money into upfitting this development so that it looks great. As I've always been told, under-promise and over-deliver. Do what you know you can do, at the best you can do it, but don't show us flashy renderings only for it to look awful in the end. It's ok if you can't make it the most super luxury space in city. Don't aim for that. 

And that leads to quality of tenant -- my suggestion? No bars. But that doesn't fly in reality. Remember that this space is supposed to serve tourists who are used to their chain restaurants, and employees who are used to finding quick spots to eat or grab necessities. Let CVS be the centerpoint of the development. Not kidding. Make it so everyone has to go to that CVS to get their toiletries for the nearby hotels. Same with restaurants. Variety in type and price is essential here. 

Finally, as much as I hate it, don't attempt a non-food retail lease unless you are able to lock that down for at least two years. And, look at places like DECO in Raleigh for non-food retail that can be successful here. 

[15895]

13 hours ago, CLT Development said:

What's everyone's bet on this renovation being successful? 

It was successful.  It was the place. 

Unfortunately, I have a little hard time viewing this as going to be that successful not because of the facility or even crime. I think it’s… location. Which is odd given it’s…. Location. It might be great for Potbellies, business stuff etc. 

But small things that seem insignificant, they add up. With Legacy Union when people get annoyed at criticisms of it (because they built tall buildings and brought good jobs). It should’ve had a more people friendly base like this (particularly like the alley leading to the panthers stadium). There’s zero reason legacy union couldn’t have done place making like the below:

 

Improvements to Sidewalks, more bike lanes, sponsored events for like Black Entrepreneurs, etc etc. among bigger things like relocating or consolidating government buildings, more high school and affordable housing $’s into parts of uptown. Basically, everything but skyscraper & skyscraper height. We pay attention so much to skyscraper height… when that should be the product of what we do otherwise.

I say that all to say. SouthEnd… it’s legit now. NoDa. It’s expanding. Optimistic Park. It’s great. And it’s not just fads. They’re place making and even if trends change, I think those areas will adapt, grow etc along with changes in trends. I mean. A lot of the things in NoDa and SouthEnd HAS been repurposed things. It’s places people want to be. To live. To spend time.

So I just think success henges around the surrounding area. Epicenter is an island surrounded by crap. Trade sucks there. College sucks there. 4th sucks there. It was great when there wasn’t much alternative places to hang. But now there is competition. We can’t just have one nice development surrounded by crap and expect it to be what we envision. 
 

 

The location on paper and on a map looks great. But on the ground. Someone [dunno where nor care to assign blame] has not invested enough in the things for the *people* and too much is in the interest of developers. We need to invest in the community and people. Into civic things. Into slower roads. Lane reductions. Small business. Stricter design reviews (if legal). Community investment will make or break portions of uptown outside of Tryon. It’s boring. It’s slow (to do those initiatives like Raleigh has no turn on red signs on like every block in downtown. It took a lot of time and seems pointless because people may still turn on red but it truly all adds up to make a difference.) stuff like that matters. 

Edited August 28, 2023 by AirNostrumMAD

[CLT Development]

23 minutes ago, Rufus said:

This assumed two things: 

1. You might know something we don't

2. You don't think it will be successful 

This time around pretty Blues Clues-less about the future of this development and its chances of success. What I do know is between this and Monarch Market we need the both to do incredibly well. It's pretty vital to the health and well being of Uptown Charlotte. I am very cautiously optimistic but I just don't know if it can go back to it's heyday.

[Temeteron]

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. I really think the new Epicenter should try to copy what was done in Nashville with 5th and Broadway.  We already have two food halls in Charlotte (Optimist and District Market) and another one on the way.  I think it would be very successful at epicenter.  Throw in a sprinkle of retail and it’s good to go. 

[Rufus]

11 minutes ago, Temeteron said:

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. I really think the new Epicenter should try to copy what was done in Nashville with 5th and Broadway.  We already have two food halls in Charlotte (Optimist and District Market) and another one on the way.  I think it would be very successful at epicenter.  Throw in a sprinkle of retail and it’s good to go. 

I don't disagree, but it is incredibly hard to get non-food retail to root themselves and be successful uptown. And now we have to worry about the retail pull of South End. 

I do believe there is a need to compliment the CVS with other service retail and then maybe sprinkle in a gift/design shop...again, look at DECO in Raleigh. A store like that uptown would make a killing. 

[CLT2014]

What is the happy hour culture like at Bank of America and Truist post-pandemic? Those are the major office tenants on that side of town to breath some life into the center during the work week like the Alive After Five days. I'm concerned the center of gravity for office activity has shifted towards the southern end of Uptown, with Bank of America even moving many employees to Legacy Union and exiting Plaza tower, et... It just seems relatively quiet in that part of Uptown compared to its heyday and I don't see people going out of their way to get Uptown any longer as new entertainment destinations have emerged.

I feel like something will have to get the next generation to linger / spend time here as much (but not all) of the Alive After Five crowd is now soccer dads and soccer moms and races off to practice or recital after work. Unfortunately there isn't that much residential nearby so it doesn't work yet as a local neighborhood spot like Atherton Mill... you either have to get people to stay after work or draw them in from the areas they actually live. 

Edited August 28, 2023 by CLT2014

[RANYC]

On 8/27/2023 at 11:55 PM, CLT Development said:

What's everyone's bet on this renovation being successful? 

Depends on how you define "success." 

I believe CBRE is implementing a property stabilization plan.  The lender to the property now owns it due to foreclosure proceedings, and no outside buyers came forth.  The bank-lender is not in the business of place-making or creating extraordinary real-estate projects that are a source of civic pride and a major tourism draw.

I've set very low expectations for what's happening there now.  There was a very negative narrative surrounding Epicenter before and I'm sure the property had negative cash flow, so no one wanted in at a price the lender could stomach.

Some very basic, cosmetic enhancements like a paint job, safe flooring, structural repairs will hopefully get the occupancy rate up even if they have to sign low-to-medium rate tenants, but I'm not looking for anything transformative or even much of a tourist draw for the time being.  I'd be curious to know how long are the leases being signed, and what's the dollar amount of renovations being done.  My sense is that when the market turns and this thing finds a buyer like Asana, we'll have reason to believe, at that time, that this property may finally be on a path to "success."

Edited August 30, 2023 by RANYC