Universities Sell Park Road Center Month After Donation

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — One of Charlotte's best-known shopping centers is changing hands again.

Last month, Porter Byrum donated Park Road Shopping Center to three universities.

Those schools then sold the strip mall to South Carolina-based Edens & Avant for $80 million.

The company said it plans to keep things the way they are.

"I think it's a place that brings the community together and it's something that we'll totally respect going forward as the new owners," said spokesman Robbie Robertson.

That's a relief to businesses and shoppers there.

"I think that people feel comfortable here," said the owner of The Pompous Peasant, Cheri Midulla. "They don't feel like they have to dress up to come here."

"It truly epitomizes what Charlotte at one time was with the neighborhoods," shopper Craig Madans said. "It spells people."

Edens & Avant already owns five shopping centers in the area: • Atherton Mill • Kenilworth Commons • Mountain Island Marketplace • Davidson Commons • Franklin Square III

Previous Stories: June 16, 2011: Man Donates Park Rd. Shopping Center To 3 Schools

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