Developer Filed Permit for Excelsior Club Redevelopment
Owners and operators should track how this $8.3 million project creates new commercial restaurant and event space in Charlotte.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Developer Shawn Kennedy has officially filed a land development construction permit for the site of the former Excelsior Club. The project aims to revitalize the historic property on Beatties Ford Road with a new restaurant and rooftop seating.
Why it matters
The $8.3 million investment represents a significant effort to rehabilitate a landmark site that had been closed since 2016 due to structural failure. For operators, the inclusion of public meeting spaces and private commercial facilities highlights shifting requirements for mixed-use urban developments.
The $8.3 million redevelopment project includes $3 million in public funding from the city and Mecklenburg County, alongside a $2.3 million developer commitment earmarked for restaurant operations. These figures follow the successful resolution of a $300,000 funding gap identified earlier this year.
The players
Shawn Kennedy
The private developer leading the effort to rebuild and modernize the historic Excelsior Club site.
Charlotte City Council
The local governing body responsible for municipal zoning approvals and the allocation of public redevelopment funds.
The details
The project follows the July 2026 demolition of the original structure, which was deemed unsalvageable after years of disrepair. The new facility design features a commercial restaurant and rooftop seating, while also incorporating dedicated, free meeting space for local nonprofits and educational institutions. This development is supported by a rezoning request approved by the Charlotte City Council in September 2026.
Timeline
1944: The Excelsior Club opened on Beatties Ford Road.
2016: The club closed for repairs.
July 2026: The former Excelsior Club structure was demolished.
September 2026: The Charlotte City Council approved the rezoning request.
Monday, October 5, 2026: The developer filed the land development construction permit.
Market Landscape
This project follows the regulatory patterns established by the Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance for site redevelopment and zoning compliance. It mirrors broader urban renewal trends where developers balance commercial restaurant operations with subsidized community infrastructure.
Operators in the neighborhood should prepare for construction activity as the site moves toward a probable start date this year. Businesses should monitor how the addition of community meeting spaces influences foot traffic patterns on Beatties Ford Road.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates the viability of utilizing public-private partnerships to rescue historic but derelict commercial properties. Owners of similar sites should track the project's ability to balance commercial profitability with the mandate to provide community-accessible facilities.
Further reading
For more updates on local commercial real estate changes, visit our Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Charlotte Observer.
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