Major development planned for Midnight Diner, Uptown Cabaret sites

Why it matters: This huge mixed-use project from Riverside Investment & Development is the latest example of new investment pouring into the desirable South End area. It also will mean that at least one longtime tenant, the diner, will be moving as a result of new development.

Details: Riverside’s $750 million development includes three towers for a mix of residential and commercial uses, according to a press release Thursday. All told, it’ll be in excess of 1.2 million rentable square feet, according to a spokesperson.

• Riverside also plans to include large open spaces, room for retail and sustainability/health and wellness features.
• This project will include substantial infrastructure upgrades to the property, too. Expect street widening and realignment, new turn lanes, new bike lanes and pedestrian crossings.
• The prominent block is located at the intersections of East Morehead Street, Morehead Square Drive, South Tryon Street and East Carson Boulevard.

Brian Dominick, who has owned the property since 1995, will be relocating Midnight Diner to “a nearby location,” according to Riverside. It’s not yet clear where the diner will go, however.

• Dominick, who also owns Uptown Cabaret, did not respond to a request for comment.

CBJ first reported back in August that Riverside had plans for the property.

What he’s saying: Riverside’s COO Anthony Scacco said that replacing the connector area’s functionality is “of critical importance.”

• “We are very excited and honored to join the Charlotte business community and help transform the area between Uptown and South End, creating a world-class live-work-play environment that will contribute to the city’s already impressive growth story,” Scacco said.

Timing: Riverside plans to open a southeast regional office by the middle of next year. Construction on the project will begin by the end of 2022.

The Riverside project is in stretch of South End where development is booming.

• Across Carson and South Tryon, developer Spectrum Cos. is building a pair of 11-story office towers called Vantage South End. LendingTree has its headquarters there, and Grant Thornton has said it plans to move its office there from Uptown.
• Also right down the street is the RailYard, a huge mixed-use development with tenants such as EY and better.com.