City looks at 7-Eleven to fill storefronts outside TWC Arena

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Changes may be coming for a strip of retail store fronts attached to Time Warner Cable Arena in uptown Charlotte.

For years, the spaces have struggled to attract and keep businesses. An Italian restaurant and a doughnut store failed. Now, an office for the nonprofit group that runs the city's uptown bike sharing program takes up one space.

The only for-profit business right now is the No-Grease Barber Shop that anchors the other end. In the middle sits more than 4,000 square feet of space that's vacant. "It has underperformed," says City Councilman Andy Dulin.

He says that's been a disappointment and a failure to realize the vision of a vibrant retail scene around the arena even when events inside aren't happening.

Now the city is close to finding a tenant to take up all that vacant space. A proposed lease agreement would turn the vacant storefronts into a 7-Eleven convenience store.

It's not exactly what everyone had in mind.

"I'd rather see something higher end," said Councilwoman Claire Fallon.

Colleague James Mitchell agreed.

"We need to get creative about how we can get more high-end retail to go in there. But I think 7-Eleven can help us change the model," Mitchell said.

At No-Grease Timothy Doe says it's been about two years since there was a business next door. "Having these spaces vacant, that only creates an eyesore and this is supposed to be the jewel of uptown, "Doe said.

He too would rather have a higher-end store as his neighbor.

"You would rather see a more upscale business, however any business is good rather than to have nothing at all, " he said.

Under a lease proposal that would need City Council approval, 7-Eleven would pay about $72,000 per year in rent for five years.

If that lease is approved, the retail space attached to the arena would be completely filled.

The store could open by October of this year.

WSOC