MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Mecklenburg County leaders on Thursday voted 6-2 to approve roughly $30 million for construction costs for Project Break Point, which would bring a massive tennis complex to Charlotte's River District.
The tennis facility would be a big part of the 1,400-acre River District, which is aimed at revitalizing Charlotte’s west side. The mixed-use project would have houses, hotels, retail and office space.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I learned a long time ago, what we won't do others will, and we'd be foolish to let this opportunity slip past us," Chairman George Dunlap said Thursday.
Charleston-based Beemok Capital would build the $400 million dollar complex complete with four tennis stadiums, as well as a world-class pickleball court.
The developer said the complex could bring in roughly $300 million and bring more than 650,000 visitors to Charlotte each year. Those projections excited Charlotte City Council, which unanimously voted to approve a $65 million investment last month.
Beemok Capital is looking to get about one-third of the estimated $400 million price tag from the city, county and state officials.
“We have basketball, we have NFL, we have soccer," Mayor Vi Lyles said. "And to think that we can add tennis is going to be something that's going to add to our portfolio.”
“A lot of us are really excited about what this project will potentially bring to the community,” Mark Jerrell, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners for District 4, said. "We are becoming a well-rounded city and attraction, not only in the region, but across the country.”
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Despite that, Jerrell wants to make sure all residents benefit from it.
“One of the things I’m always concerned about though, is making sure that everyone in the community can benefit from these projects and investment, not just the ones who are approximate,” Jerrell said.
Meanwhile, the tennis community says it's needed.
“Right now, we are under-served in terms of available courts open to public, for public play, so it’s long overdue," Aaron Mullennix, Director of Charlotte City Tennis, said.
In the past, Council member Danté Anderson said the proposal, which will use hospitality funds, has her vote.
"You will continue to pay this same experience as you do when you go out today. So, it's not an addition or an increase to that," Anderson said. “Although Charlotte residents pay for hospitality taxes as it relates to going out to eat, the majority of that tax pocket comes from people who come to our city."
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact Richard DeVayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.