Coliseum Shopping Center to be demolished to make way for new development

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The dilapidated Coliseum Shopping Center on Independence Boulevard will be torn down because the owner said it’s the right time because of Charlotte’s economy.

People in east Charlotte have all but given up on the Coliseum Shopping Center.

Gary Massey remembers it before Independence Boulevard grew and the economy, years ago, shrank.

"Just seemed like nobody was ever going to do anything for it, or about it," Massey said.

The last remaining businesses there, Earth Angel salon and a nearby auto shop have moved on.

Property owner Chris Bitterlin is ready to develop the property he purchased a few years ago.

"When we bought the property, we knew what the conditions were, but weren't afraid to tackle them,” Bitterlin said. “I'm happy to say it's finally, finally coming down."

In its place, Bitterlin plans to put up Coliseum Crossing on eight acres,

It would include 59,000 square feet of shopping and would connect to the neighboring Walmart.

The other 10 acres has already been set aside for a car dealership.

"The market is supportive and I think it'll be a good project for Charlotte and everybody in the east side of town," Bitterlin said.

The east side includes communities along Monroe Road.

"It's about time,” said Kathy Hill, chairwoman of Monroe Road Advocates said. “It's been long overdue."

Hill has lived in the area for 30 years and said Coliseum Crossing is a sign of progress she hasn't seen for a long time.

"It's nice to see things coming back in that direction," she said.

It will cost $1 million to tear down the Coliseum Shopping Center, Bitterlin said.

Work is expected to start in July and demolition would take several months.

The project won’t be complete until 2018.

Cox Media Group