The historic Excelsior Club at 921 Beatties Ford Road has been demolished as redevelopment efforts continue to bring the west Charlotte landmark back to life. According to the Charlotte Business Journal, the rebuilt venue is expected to open in 2028, serving as both a community hub during the day and a dining and entertainment destination in the evenings.
Developer Kennedy Properties & Development, in partnership with Crosland Southeast, is spearheading the estimated $8.5 million project after years of planning. Shawn Kennedy, principal of Kennedy Properties & Development, told the Charlotte Business Journal that engineering assessments found extensive structural issues that contributed to the building’s closure in 2016, with repairs estimated at roughly $800,000. He added that years of roof damage, water intrusion, and repeated vandalism ultimately left the structure beyond repair, making demolition the only viable option.
According to the report, the project is closing in on its fundraising goal after securing financial commitments from the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, along with additional grants and private funding. Charlotte City Council is expected to consider a rezoning request this month that would allow construction of a 3,700-square-foot, two-story building designed to reflect the character of the original club.
Once complete, the new Excelsior Club will be owned by a nonprofit and used for meetings, educational programs, and community events during the day.
In the evenings, the historic landmark will transform into a restaurant and live music destination operated by a separate private entity led by Kennedy, according to the Charlotte Business Journal. Beyond preserving a piece of Charlotte’s history, the concept is intended to help fill a gap in the Beatties Ford Road corridor’s dining scene. Kennedy told the publication the vision is to bring a sit-down dining option back to the area while creating a welcoming space where residents and visitors can gather for meals, entertainment, and community events.
If approvals move forward as anticipated, construction on the replacement building is expected to begin next year, with the revived Excelsior Club projected to welcome guests in 2028.
