CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Excelsior Club, a landmark for the African American community in west Charlotte, has been named one of the country's most endangered historic places.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation unveiled its list of America's 11 most endangered historic places Thursday.
[PAST COVERAGE: Historic Charlotte club at risk of being torn down]
The annual list highlights notable places in America that represent the country's cultural heritage, but are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage.
The director of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission Dan Morrill said the club on Beatties Ford Road was first established in the 1940s to be an upscale gathering place for African Americans during the days of legal racial segregation and the civil rights movement.
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The club, which hosted Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and former President Bill Clinton is in such poor shape that it's slated to be demolished this year.
The owner, state Rep. Carla Cunningham, said she doesn't want to see the club torn down, but it would take a significant financial investment to restore it, which she's not in a position to do.
Officials have delayed tearing the club down to find a preservation solution, but history could soon be lost if new owners don't take over soon.
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Cox Media Group
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