‘Village atmosphere’ coming to Ballantyne Village
The story
Changes are coming to Ballantyne Village, the complex of shops and restaurants at the corner of Ballantyne Commons Parkway and Johnston Road.
The investors who purchased the property nearly two years ago are hoping to rebrand the center, with new restaurants and expansions planned.
What kind of rebrand are we talking about?
According to village general manager Ed Camp, owners of the complex “started on a long-range plan to re-merchandize the center to make it more family friendly. They wanted to create a village atmosphere and get away from being a high-end destination.”
What does that mean?
The owners recently completed a $500,000 renovation of the 166,000-square-foot complex, according to a March 30 progress report, with new signage, directories, and a new plaza and gathering area.
Also planned:
– An 11,000-square-foot Village Market with specialty foods, from chocolates to seafood to craft beer.
– A second Charlotte location for BlackFinn Ameripub.
– A new restaurant concept from Villa Antonio: Gusto Pasta, which will feature sangria, pasta and tapas.
What about that whole parking situation? The bollards?
Done. Gone.
The new owners — Vision Ventures and Mount Vernon Asset Management — came to an agreement with the former owner — Bob Bruner — which opened up all parking spaces in the deck and surface lots for center visitors.
Park away.
Well that’s good. Anything happening there this week?
A music series, “Music in the Middle,” kicks off at 6 p.m. Wednesday with Vanilla Cornbread.
The series runs Wednesday through Friday through mid-May. Details at www.ballantynevillage.com.
Photos: Diedra Laird and Elisabeth Arriero, Charlotte Observer.
Related contentCorey Inscoe covers sports for the Charlotte Observer’s community sections, but also really likes good music, good food and Charlotte beer. Follow him on Twitter @CoreyInscoe.
This story was originally published April 13, 2015 at 1:52 PM with the headline "‘Village atmosphere’ coming to Ballantyne Village."