Abandoned Charlotte: Photos of the Coliseum Center on Independence Blvd.

Charlotte is one of the fastest growing large cities in the nation, and the rapid population surge has brought noticeable changes to the city landscape. The resulting development boom has spawned a seemingly endless stream of new luxury apartments, hip breweries, upscale restaurants and trendy retail stores.

There is a pocket, however, just a few miles east of uptown that has remained largely untouched. This series of photo essays captures a few of these abandoned places.

Up first: Coliseum Center – East Independence Boulevard

Built in 1964, the Coliseum Center located along Independence Boulevard was home to a variety of thriving stores for several decades. But the once-flourishing strip mall has transformed into a desolate, dilapidated eyesore.

The 218,000 square foot center is almost entirely vacant, save two smaller stores. A developer purchased the property last year, though, so this complex might see some new life soon.

Photos: Sara Kay Mooney

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 1:11 AM with the headline "Abandoned Charlotte: Photos of the Coliseum Center on Independence Blvd.."