City Council to evaluate proposals for historic uptown theater

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A historic landmark in uptown Charlotte that's become an eyesore over the years may get a much-needed renovation soon.

On Tuesday, some City Council members learned more about three proposals to purchase and redevelop the site around the Carolina Theatre.  The building at 6th and Tryon streets was built in 1927 as a silent film house but hasn't been used as a theater since 1978.

One proposal from a local development company, CMP Carolina Theatre, involves restoring the theater and building luxury condos on the lot next to it.  The nonprofit Foundation for the Carolinas wants to renovate the theater and build office space there.  And the newest plan comes from the ARK group, which developed the NC Music Factory.  It involves renovating the theater and creating office, retail and living space.

It is a project City Councilwoman Patsy Kinsey is passionate about.  She went to the theater growing up.

"Charlotte has torn down everything.  Absolutely leveled all our old buildings.  People think we're not a historic city.  Well, there's not much left to prove it," she said.

The full City Council takes up the issue in December.

WSOC