Many have high hopes for old coliseum site

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The vacant lot where the old Charlotte Coliseum once stood is now busy with new construction.

Some signs for the old Charlotte Coliseum are still in place off Billy Graham Parkway but the arena was demolished in 2007.

Now the 170-acre property is being billed as a mixed-use space called City Park. According to the website, more than 2,500 apartments will be built here as well as shops and a hotel.

"I didn't have doubt that it would happen. I had concerns with how long it would take for the economy to turn around," said city councilwoman Lawanda Mayfield.

Mayfield said the project, which has taken years to get started, will help kick off more development in the area.

When Eyewitness News went by Tuesday, several buildings were already in the process of being built.

"The city of Charlotte is averaging about 40 people a day moving to the area. We've got to identify housing for those people," Mayfield said.

Fred Cole said he was excited to hear about the project. Cole is the manager of the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. The market is right next to City Park and a short walk for people to come buy produce.

"It's probably going to make our weekday market a lot more successful. Right now, we only have 12 to 15 vendors during the week," Cole said.

One of those vendors is Junior Kiker.

"I think it will be pretty good. Like I said, I don't think a lot of people know we're out here," Kiker said.

Kiker comes to the market six days a week, and he said weekdays are typically slow.

He hopes City Park will change that.