CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A major step in the demolition of a SouthPark church took place Wednesday morning when crews removed the cross on top of Sharon United Methodist's Ski Slope sanctuary.
“As it was gently being brought to the ground, just a lot of memories going through my head,” church member David Rhew said.
There are plans to build a massive mixed-use development on the property at Morrison Boulevard and Sharon Road.
A new church will be built in the center of the property with a new name, SouthPark Church.
Church members will share a parking garage with developer Childress Klein. The company plans to build two, 12-story towers with 345 apartment units and retail space. There will also be a 175-room hotel with a rooftop restaurant.
The cross had been on top of the church for nearly 50 years and will be incorporated into the new one.
“It will be a visual reminder to us as to why we exist, what is our purpose, and hopefully will encourage and re-lift us and allow us to really replant and relaunch the church,” Rhew said.
Crews still need to remove the debris from the property and the steeple some time next week. Then, construction can start.
They hope to have the entire area redeveloped in two years.
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