‘It’s kind of losing its glow’: Will Charlotte’s EpiCentre survive?

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte’s Epicentre used to be a hotspot for nightlife and dining -- not anymore.

“There’s a lot of stuff closing down,” resident Jakobi Farley said. “The theater upstairs, the SMG, the 5 Guys, it’s kind of losing its glow. A few years ago, it was beautiful to come down here.”

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office told Channel 9 they’ve issued 10 eviction notices since January 2020. Popular places like Blackfinn, Studio Movie Grill and Urban Bricks Pizza have all been closed.

Last month, Channel 9 told you the Epicentre’s landlord was behind on mortgage payments and at risk of defaulting on the $85 million dollar loan.

We asked Charlotte councilmember Dimple Ajmera if she’s worried the entertainment space will survive.

“I’m concerned about the sustainability of the Epicentre,” she said. “I mean, it is a very important part of our city.”

The owners of the Epicentre are also facing a civil lawsuit over the September 2019 murder of scientist, doctor and businessman John Holaday. He was visiting Charlotte from Maryland when he was struck by a stray bullet during an uptown fight near the Epicentre.

The lawsuit claims that “the increasing uncontrolled crime at the property was documented in the press, was well known among Charlotte residents, and was especially well known to the Epicentre defendants, who nonetheless failed to take action to control the situation.”

Channel 9′s Allison Latos sent multiple emails asking for the owners to respond to the lawsuit and her questions about the financial stability of the Epicentre, but so far they haven’t responded.

(WATCH: 2 violent crimes reported within hours of each other at EpiCentre)

2 violent crimes reported within hours of each other at EpiCentre 2 violent crimes reported within hours of each other at EpiCentre

Cox Media Group