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'History does matter’: City provides funds for Excelsior Club project

By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com
By Joe Bruno, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Excelsior Club has been called one of the most endangered historic places in the world and action taken by Charlotte City Council will help ensure its future.

In its heyday, the Excelsior Club was the premier center of African American social and political activity. It hosted musicians like Nat King Cole and James Brown and politicians like Bill Clinton.

After the club closed in 2016, it fell into disrepair, leaving its future in doubt.

“The Excelsior Club at the current time is decaying rapidly,” Ron Kimble, a consultant working for the city manager’s office, said. “It is in very, very bad shape. It is falling in.”

ALSO READ: Historic west Charlotte club named one of the most endangered places in US

While the building itself likely can’t be saved, leaders want to make sure its history is honored and appearance is replicated as closely as possible.

A developer is planning an entertainment venue, gallery and possible boutique hotel for the site. Local leaders and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission will be heavily involved in the planning.

Charlotte City Council unanimously agreed to provide $50,000 to the developer.

ALSO READ: Buyer found for historic west Charlotte club at risk of being torn down

Mecklenburg County Commissioners will vote Tuesday night to provide an additional $50,000. The Knight Foundation is contributing an additional $50,000. The Foundation for the Carolinas is contributing $100,000.

“This is a good day for the corridor and it goes beyond the district lines. This is a good day for the city of Charlotte,” Councilman Malcolm Graham, who represents the area, said.

For months, numerous residents have asked city and county leaders to consider providing funding for the Excelsior Club project. Councilman James Mitchell praised the community for keeping this as a priority.

"We have heard you loud and clear," Mitchell said. "We have heard you and we want to act tonight to show you how we are going to preserve African American history along this growing corridor."

Historic African-American club in west Charlotte up for sale Historic African-American club in west Charlotte up for sale

The Excelsior Club is a property rich with history and potential. Numerous community members addressed council to discuss the club’s importance.

“Please have it on your heart to know our history does matter and sadly our history is going away,” Kelly Eaves-Boykin, of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Heritage Committee, said.

“Be aware that history does matter,” Maddie Marshall, of the Washington Heights Community Association, said. “African American history matters.”

The developer has until the end of 2024 to complete the project. If that doesn’t happen, the city and all the other funding partners get their money back.

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