Bring back the EpiCentre or turn it into a Buc-ee's, readers say
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The view of Queen City Quarter from South College and East Trade. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
The EpiCentre — ahem, we mean, Queen City Quarter — could be available for purchase soon. Our readers have ideas for its next chapter.
Why it matters: Charlotte newbies may not believe it, but 210 E. Trade St. used to be the hottest nightlife spot in Charlotte. Although it emptied out during the pandemic, it's positioned for a comeback, next to the newly renovated Spectrum Center and connected to hotels.
- Plus, Uptown is on the upswing because of a surge in entertainment, from concerts to (finally) winning sports teams.
Catch up quick: The building went into foreclosure in 2022, amid COVID fallout and a reputation for crime. The lender Deutsche Bank purchased the property for $95 million at an auction with no other bids.
- Banks don't typically manage properties. So, Deutsche Bank brought on Charlotte firm CBRE, which rebranded the EpiCentre to Queen City Quarter. Some rooftop parties drew a turnout.
- It also signed new businesses, such as Sea Grill (one of Axios' best restaurants) and Lottie's Cafe. But the place is still overwhelmingly vacant with only 12 of 50 spaces occupied, the Charlotte Observer noted.
- CBRE has confirmed to media outlets that the property will go back on the market, but hasn't shared a date.
What they're saying: We asked our audience — if they had millions of dollars and a knack for flipping troubled real estate assets — what they'd propose for repurposing the space. Most people want one of two things:
- A shopping mall to make up for the lack of retail in Uptown, with trendy stores like Zara.
- "Every major town has high-end retail in their downtown area because of visitors. Shouldn't be any different," Andres O. wrote.
- Or return the building to its former glory as a bars and clubs destination, with heightened security.
- "Just restore the feeling to what it was before COVID. You have the formula," B.J. M commented.
💭 My thought bubble: Other ideas that popped include doubling down as an incubator for small businesses or creating a third place.
- "The Rooftop area in EpiCentre would be the absolute perfect third place spot to get a coffee and cowork or get drinks after work," Rogger M. said.
Reality check: A real buyer would probably keep the property on the same trajectory with strengthened investment. CBRE has tried to add more restaurants and shops, with a daytime and family-friendly focus.
But in the interest of giggling, here are our favorite outrageous responses, edited for clarity:
- I'd turn it into a multi-story, all-ages water park. Picture a big outdoor pool deck on the top, with waterslides to the bottom floor, and a 21+ only floor in the middle with a swim-up bar. — Tyler K.
- 3-story Common Market. — Anonymous
- How about a brewery that sells tacos and pizza? — Jonathan L.
- Spirit Halloween. — Blake D.
- Make it one gigantic Buc-ee's. — Justin C.
- Casino on the first floor and a Hooters on the next two floors, and Jesus himself couldn't drag me out of there. — Austin S.
- Make the whole thing a Bojangles. — Hanna S.