Charlotte historic site dodges wrecking ball as city approves rescue plans for landmark
Restaurant owners Jeff Tonidandel and his wife Jamie Brown can now move forward with plans to relocate and save the historic Leeper & Wyatt building from a wrecking ball after winning approval for their project from Charlotte City Council.
They had made a rezoning request to save and move the 120-year-old structure at 1923 South Blvd. in Dilworth to an empty parking lot they own near the Bonterra restaurant at 1829 Cleveland Ave.
The council voted 8 to 1 Monday night to approve the request. Commissioner LaWana Mayfield voted against it because of concerns about parking.
The building sitting at the edge of the Dilworth and South End is one of about 400 historic landmarks in Mecklenburg County. It served the community as a grocery store for more than 50 years and is the oldest brick commercial property in Dilworth.
“We recognize the importance of being good stewards of both the Leeper & Wyatt building and this neighborhood— and we acknowledge the vision and support of dozens of people who have come together to allow for this unique project,” Tonidandel said in an email message.
The now-vacant property faced potential for demolition after Southern Land, a Nashville-based developer, wanted to build a high-rise apartment building at the corner of East Tremont Avenue and South Boulevard.
Making plans for the Leeper & Wyatt building
With experience in converting older buildings into restaurants, Brown and Tonidandel intend to move the top two floors of the Leeper & Wyatt building in February. Their plans came with concerns about how the relocation would impact parking in the area.
“While we don’t have specific concept ideas to share, we’re looking forward to creating a restaurant within its doors,” Tonidandel added.
The Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group will start work with the Historic District Commission, Southern Land, Duke Energy, building movers, architects and other groups to move the building 800 feet from the current location.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Tonidandel said, “and what this effort will bring about for our city.”
This story was originally published October 17, 2023 at 4:10 PM.
