CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The former Epicentre in Uptown, now called Queen City Quarter after a new management group took over, continues to stay under construction.
Several months ago, CBRE Property Management Group, told WCNC Charlotte renovations would be completed by the fall, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
From violence to vacancies to bankruptcy, the once-vibrant Epicentre has had many troubles over the past few years. Then, in September 2022, there was excitement when it was re-branded as Queen City Quarter. But businesses said they wish renovations, which kicked off in May, were closer to completion.
On the outside of the property, signs let people know that tenants are open for business, but there are also still signs of the past. The Epicentre name can still be spotted on signs on the property. Take a look on the inside, and you'll see construction still very much underway and far from where it should be. The new Queen City Quarter is supposed to feature upgrades including benches, walkways, staircase repairs and a full paint-job.
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“They constantly say thank you for your patience with us because they know how challenging it as new business owners in a facility under construction," Melly Mathis, the owner of The M Factor Style Company which is located on the second floor of the Queen City Quarter, said.
The M Factor Style Company salon celebrated her grand opening a few weeks ago, and she's optimistic the property will get back to its glory days eventually.
“It was so thriving," Mathis said. "The energy ... you get a lot of traffic from businesses and restaurants in the area. I thought it would be a good home for me to branch out and have my own style company in the heart of the city."
Meanwhile, other businesses told WCNC Charlotte it's been difficult, and the seemingly unending renovation work has made foot traffic almost non-existent.
Now, some businesses aren't convinced the negative perception on the property can change, but Mathis wants to prove them wrong.
“To those people that are kind of unsure, hopefully they’ll stick around and wait and see the resurgence of the energy that’s going to come back to the area," Mathis said.
WCNC Charlotte reached out to CBRE to get an update on when renovations would be finished. As of the publishing of this article, WCNC Charlotte has not heard back.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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