Belk Place: Carolina Theater and Hotel Intercontinental

[nonillogical]

Knight Foundation gave a $550,000 grant to Foundation of the Carolinas to go towards the renovation of Carolina Theater.  

 

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/12/22/5402119/knight-foundation-gifts-550000.html#.VJjbR14BA

 

 

This is the first tower-less depiction I've seen. In speaking with someone at FFTC just a month or so ago it sounded like the tower was still a go, though they did say it wouldn't be exactly like either the first (classical, limestone) or second (modern, glassy) sketches that got released. This is pretty consistent with the base from both though.

Edited December 23, 2014 by nonillogical

[Guest]

This is the first tower-less depiction I've seen. In speaking with someone at FFTC just a month or so ago it sounded like the tower was still a go, though they did say it wouldn't be exactly like either the first (classical, limestone) or second (modern, glassy) sketches that got released. This is pretty consistent with the base from both though.

The tower less version has floated around on this site once or twice, leading to people panicking. From what I understand they have talked to hotel developers and it seems very possible that a 125-150 room Kimpton-like property would be a real possibility here. Not sure if that's the impression you got. I'd like this project to happen very soon.

[cltbwimob]

This is the first tower-less depiction I've seen. In speaking with someone at FFTC just a month or so ago it sounded like the tower was still a go, though they did say it wouldn't be exactly like either the first (classical, limestone) or second (modern, glassy) sketches that got released. This is pretty consistent with the base from both though.

I hope that the tower is some variant of white or beige EIFS...we really could use a couple more of those. SMH

[ah59396]

While a tower would be a nice plus, I'm okay with a mid rise classical limestone look like that seen in the rendering.

[CLTProductions]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article15531467.html

Howard Levine gives $1 million towards the Carolina Theater renovation. They're at $25.8 million of their $35 million goal. Almost there!!! Will they need to reach that $35 mil goal before they even start work? Or could they start sooner?

[15895]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article15531467.html

Howard Levine gives $1 million towards the Carolina Theater renovation. They're at $25.8 million of their $35 million goal. Almost there!!! Will they need to reach that $35 mil goal before they even start work? Or could they start sooner?

The Park/Skye Condos did

(kidding)

[dubone]

I believe that in fundraising, the final stretch is a bit easier because having 3/4 of the funding in hand gives the project an air of inevitability.  

I don't think they will start until they pass their goal.  But it does feel like the coming year will close the gap.   

[CLTProductions]

I agree. I can't imagine it taking much longer. Has duke or wells kicked in anything?

[kermit]

I agree. I can't imagine it taking much longer. Has duke or wells kicked in anything?

 

only $8 million to go (Wells just kicked in $2million)

 

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article17241056.html

[Matthew.Brendan]

Current plan is to rehab the theatre and add an office tower adjacent (on top?) of the building as well?

[caterpillar2]

It hope that I don't have to wait another five or ten years.  Some of us are getting pretty old. Why doesn't the city just bite the bullet and commit the $8 million with an agreement of immediate work beginnings.  I really wish that the Carolina would have performing arts theatricals as well, i.e. Shakespearian presentations, etc. Any chance of that?

[nonillogical]

I really wish that the Carolina would have performing arts theatricals as well, i.e. Shakespearian presentations, etc. Any chance of that?

Basically none. I was told most of what used to be the backstage area was replaced when Hearst was built, so there is no room for things that require a lot of backstage activity. I think that leaves just things like lectures and presentations, awards ceremonies, movies, maybe comedy? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[ah59396]

It hope that I don't have to wait another five or ten years.  Some of us are getting pretty old. Why doesn't the city just bite the bullet and commit the $8 million with an agreement of immediate work beginnings.  I really wish that the Carolina would have performing arts theatricals as well, i.e. Shakespearian presentations, etc. Any chance of that?

 

 

Because we've got a $20m deficit right now.

[cha]

Soon to be more if that sales-tax redistribution bill happens.

[dubone]

The city's subsidy came in the form of keeping it in their hands until a viable project came along, and selling it for $1.   

 

Now the charitable foundation can finish raising the money and put it to good use.  I think the final funds will come in without issue.   

 

 

 

 

I have seen these renderings a lot, but for some I never noticed the arches with covered sidewalk on 6th St.   That is very classic and will feel quite urban, but also will allow them more space above ground.      It is a bit like at Blumenthal on 5th, but with a far better design and wide covered arcade versus the 5.

 

 

Overall I would be fine with just the low rise and the renovated theater, but a hotel tower or modest office tower will be a nice bonus.

[CLTProductions]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article19214481.html

Yay more progress! They selected an architect. Gensler will team with the firm out of Cleveland (who has done just incredible work in playhouse square). I can't wait for this project to get underway.

Edited April 22, 2015 by Jayvee

[navigator319]

Blurry, but its something.  Also from cltdevelopment feed.  I think I actually may like it

 

 

 

[Niner National]

If that is what it is going to look like, I think it is fantastic.

[archiham04]

Blurry, but its something.  Also from cltdevelopment feed.  I think I actually may like it

 

Screen Shot 2015-05-19 at 4.54.14 PM.png

its kind of odd to me that the Hearst is not in the photo at all... i can understand needing to have it stand out, but they could've ghosted it in or something.

[rjp212]

News to me, but might have been posted.  Seems they have reached 28 million of their 35 million dollar goal.  They are hoping to start construction in January 2016 with a completion date of early 2018.

 

http://www.charlotteagenda.com/7686/major-renovations-planned-for-carolina-theatre-will-resurrect-the-historic-site-closed-since-1978/

[Windsurfer]

Great news!  I hadn't heard, so thanks.

 

My dad used to be one of those boys who dressed up in everything from gorilla suits to cowboy clothes during the early 30's in order to promote the latest movie. He and another would walk up and down in front of the theater (avoiding rocks thrown by other little boys). His life-long buddy stayed in the theater business and used to operate one of the wholesale concession companies on our old 'Theater Row' on Church Street (where 300 South Tryon now) years later. My 5th grade teacher used to drop a couple of us off early during the school day at the library in order to work on term papers. (1969-70). She'd pick us up around noon. Imagine a teacher doing that today!  I remember an old hippie bookstore operating out of the tiny space that now has bars across it.  Sometimes I'd sneak across the street to check out their books. Hate to see that space go. That space should be fought for. 

[videtur quam contuor]

That "hippie" bookstore was the famous  (to many of us of the time) Crazy Horse Books. It had guides to sexual satisfaction, how to avoid the draft, lots of underground and hard to find titles, and newspapers of the counterculture. The Charlotte Police shot up the place one evening, if I recall correctly. The Red Hornet Mayday Tribe, the most active group of that time was responsible for the store and much else of the protest and zeitgeist for the late 60's and early 70's. Thrown out of a coliseum rally for Billy Graham attended by Nixon, even though they had tickets. One member ran for mayor of Charlotte dressed as a wizard with matching political policies. Socialist Worker Party. Lyndon LaRouche. Look it up.

[ah59396]

Man, Charlotte used to be so damn cool.

[Windsurfer]

That "hippie" bookstore was the famous  (to many of us of the time) Crazy Horse Books. It had guides to sexual satisfaction, how to avoid the draft, lots of underground and hard to find titles, and newspapers of the counterculture. The Charlotte Police shot up the place one evening, if I recall correctly. The Red Hornet Mayday Tribe, the most active group of that time was responsible for the store and much else of the protest and zeitgeist for the late 60's and early 70's. Thrown out of a coliseum rally for Billy Graham attended by Nixon, even though they had tickets. One member ran for mayor of Charlotte dressed as a wizard with matching political policies. Socialist Worker Party. Lyndon LaRouche. Look it up.

Now it's coming back to me!  Thanks. I do recall the Tribe, and being thrown out of Nixon Day. Thanks!!  I didn't know it had been raided by CMPD. What a shame. If I had been old enough, I probably would've joined you. 

[Silicon Dogwoods]

Man, Charlotte used to be so damn cool.

Don't forget Thompson's  Bloomery & Bootery on  Independence @ Pecan!

 

In-window 'lingerie' shows!

 

Naughty!  

Edited June 23, 2015 by Silicon Dogwoods