Local

Online survey used to discuss options for historic west Charlotte club

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An important piece of Charlotte's history is at risk of being lost forever.

For years, Channel 9 has reported on the efforts to save the historic Excelsior Club in west Charlotte. The club opened in 1944 in the heart of the Washington Heights community on Beatties Ford Road.

It became popular with Charlotte's African-American community, hosting musicians and politicians.

"It was a county club for black people in pre-civil rights movement when black people didn't have a place in this city," Jessica Davis said. "It's where people could go to unwind, socialize."

Now, it needs major repairs and is in danger of being demolished. It is on the market for $1.5 million and a group is trying to find the money to buy it.

The group looking to save the Excelsior Club is asking for public input on what to do with it once it is purchased.

They sent out an online survey with three options:

  • Turn the building into a black history museum with shops and a restaurant
  • The second idea is similar, but would add a boutique hotel
  • The third option allows people to suggest their own ideas