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Historic Charlotte club at risk of being torn down

By Elsa Gillis
By Elsa Gillis

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — "How important is history to this community?"

The director of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission said that's what preserving or restoring the Excelsior Club comes down to, that and money.

Dan Morrill said the club was first established in the 1940's to be an upscale gathering place for African-Americans during the days of legal racial segregation and the civil rights movement.

It has seen the likes of Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, and former President Bill Clinton come through.

"Over the years, it became a major gathering place for African Americans to discuss politics," Morrill said.

But, he said, it has declined in the past 10 years.

The current owner told Channel 9 she doesn't want to see it torn down, but it would take a significant financial investment to restore it, which she's not in a position to do. She filed papers with the commission that could lead to demolition.

Morrill said they've voted to delay demolition for a year with hopes of finding a preservation solution in that time.

"Anything other than tearing it down. It’s just too valuable," said neighbor Abraham Sprates. "It would leave a big hole in the west side and in Charlotte if that building no longer existed."

"Should we celebrate the civil rights movement? Because that's really what that building is an icon of," Morrill added. "It's a celebration of the civil rights movement. Well, my answer to that would be yes."

Morrill said they're moving forward with figuring out what it would take to restore the property, and there are several options. He told Channel 9 they could totally or partially restore the club, incorporate it into a larger building, or even replicate its iconic facade with a new structure.

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