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

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A historic landmark in west Charlotte at risk of being torn down may have a chance at returning to its original glory.

[PAST COVERAGE: Historic African-American club in west Charlotte up for sale]

Officials said the historic Excelsior Club is under contract, but the prospective buyer has only been identified as a California investor.

The club on Beatties Ford Road opened in the 1940s to be an upscale gathering place for African-Americans during the days of legal racial segregation and the civil rights movement.

"It brings back a lot of memories, and I'm glad they're not going to tear it down," said Anthony Wilson, who was visiting the site Thursday.

Over the years, the popular club started to decline.

"It was laid back older people, you know,” Wilson said. “I miss it."

[RELATED: Historic west Charlotte club named one of the most endangered places in US]

The club's current owner, former State Rep. Carla Cunningham, widow of former Excelsior owner Pete Cunningham, said she didn’t want the club torn down, but the property needed significant renovations, which she wasn’t in the position to do.

"It would be great for the community, for everybody around, older people and younger people," Wilson said.

The announcement comes one week after a one-year moratorium on demolishing the building expired.

The club was on the market for $1.5 million, but the selling price has not yet been released.

Cox Media Group