Property owners hope to revitalize east Charlotte shopping center

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An east Charlotte shopping center near Central Avenue and Rosehaven Drive will be getting a major face-lift.

The property owner, John Powell, told Eyewitness News that he and his three sisters want to renovate the area their parents built 50 years ago. They plan to add new pavement, update storefronts and lighting.

The owners also aim to bring in a new business to the former El Galivan Club where a deadly shooting happened in the fall of 2013.

Powell said he wants to change the violent reputation there.

"That stigma is gone because we're not going to let anyone in that brings that reputation," he said.

The price tag isn't cheap.

"It is well over half-a-million dollars," said Powell.

Powell and his sisters will pay that cost up front but hope to city facade and security grants will reimburse them about 60 percent.

Those types of grants have already transformed other parts of Charlotte.

An old dry cleaning company on Central Avenue was transformed with the help of the city's facade money.

Advertisements can still be seen in the windows but the building is now a popular Plaza Midwood restaurant, Zada Jane's.

"Having a nice patio helps and bright colors help," said manager Julie Stepp. "I'm sure the grant that was given was used to help create that."

Councilman John Autry said Central Avenue is a gateway to the city's east side and these improvements will attract more businesses.

"East Charlotte is a happening thing and East Charlotte is going to be an important part of the whole fabric of this city," said Autry.

The same grants helped fix up the 4 Seasons Shopping Center off Albemarle Road.

Powell is meeting with the Winterfield neighborhood to explain the project Tuesday evening.

He hopes to get grant approval from the city next month and start renovations soon after.

To see more local news stories, click here.

WSOC