‘More than a building.’ Charlotte council approves $1.5M for Excelsior Club rebuild
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- City Council approves $1.5M to demolish and rebuild historic Excelsior Club.
- County matches $1.5M; developers seek total $8.3M with $5.3M pending.
- Plan restores club as juke joint, training hub, event space and rooftop.
Developers seeking to revitalize the historic Excelsior Club in west Charlotte received another round of funding Monday.
Charlotte City Council agreed in a unanimous vote to contribute $1.5 million toward demolishing and rebuilding the landmark that stood as a hub for Black nightlife in Charlotte during and after segregation.
Council’s approval follows the 7-2 vote by Mecklenburg County commissioners last week to also put $1.5 million toward the resurrection plan.
In September, Shawn Kennedy, who runs Kennedy Properties & Development along with Prosperity Alliance, proposed an $8.3 million rebuild of the club. Kennedy asked the city and the county to provide $3 million for the redevelopment. The remaining $5.3 million will come from the developers and foundations.
About the Excelsior Club
Jimmie and Minnie McKee opened the Excelsior Club on Beatties Ford Road in 1944. It became Charlotte’s first private club for Black residents.
There, Black Charlotteans danced and hosted community and political events. Performers such as Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong graced the stage, along with political leaders, including Bill Clinton.
The club changed hands a few times but ultimately closed in 2016. A number of efforts to revive the space have come forward, but none have come to fruition.
New community hub in west Charlotte
Kennedy, along with development partner Tim Sittema and Crosland Southeast, want to bring the Excelsior Club back to life as a modern juke joint and community hub.
There would be healthy food options, live music and spaces for events, forums and farmers markets. The plan is to also offer free culinary training and hire those who face barriers to employment, such as the formerly incarcerated.
To accomplish this, the group would demolish the building and bring back a replica of the space with an added rooftop deck.
It’s unclear where or when the developers will get the additional $5.3 million for the redevelopment.
The developers previously said they were in talks with several foundations, but funding hasn’t been finalized. Nor has the breakdown between developer and foundation dollars, but the developer will put in at least $1.5 million upfront for demolition costs.
Council Discussion
Several residents spoke at Monday’s council meeting in support of the proposed funding. Chris Dennis, founder of the nonprofit Community Dream Builders, spoke about the club’s history and the need to reinvest in Beatties Ford Road.
“This isn’t just about restoring a building,” Dennis said. “It’s about reviving an institution that has shaped leaders, hosted movements and celebrating the very spirit of the historic west end corridor... When you invest in the West End, we invest in the heart of the city.”
Several city council members echoed Dennis’ sentiment.
Other Charlotte economic plans
Council also approved funding plans for Do Greater Charlotte’s Creative Lab.
The nonprofit, which focuses on increasing entrepreneurial opportunities, began working on the lab last year.
Developers asked for $750,000 to help complete the project. Council unanimously approved the funding. The three-story, 20,000-square-foot building will provide a digital creative studio and other technology for visitors.
This story was originally published October 28, 2025 at 5:45 AM.
