CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Epicentre along East Trade Street has more recently served as an entertainment hub, offering restaurants and more to Charlotteans since 2008.
Now, about 13 years after it first welcomed guests, the hot spot in the Queen City's Uptown has an uncertain future ahead of it.
Court filings obtained by WCNC Charlotte show the Epicentre is now in a receivership under CBRE, Inc., a commercial real estate company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The documents reveal the company's North Carolina-based manager signed an affidavit in June 2021, confirming her role in the process. CBRE has since started working with their legal counsel.
The filings reveal much of the Epicentre is empty; more than 63% of the hub's venues are empty. What's more, work needed to be done to help the property keep up with bills; the filings reveal CBRE has worked with Duke Energy and other utility providers to prevent services from being disconnected because of a lack of payment. The Epicentre is also in need of repairs, and the company has started getting quotes for work on things like uneven pavers, which can pose a trip and fall hazard.
Beyond the concrete needs at the Epicentre, branding and marketing has been discussed as well. CBRE has started talking with a group specializing in retail property to look at a new vision for the hub, including re-branding and placemaking opportunities. Additionally, the company has worked to get control of the Epicentre's social media accounts and website.