๐Ÿ—๏ธ Charlotte's Historic West End Is Having A Moment
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๐Ÿ—๏ธ Charlotte's Historic West End Is Having A Moment
The Excelsior Club rebirth, Savona Food Works, affordable townhomes, weekend events, and more.
The Queen City Scoop Team

The Queen City Scoop Team

Jun 4, 2026

Charlotte Is Growing. Is Your Financial Plan Keeping Up?


New housing developments. New businesses. New opportunities.

This week's newsletter highlights just how quickly Charlotte continues to evolve, from affordable homeownership opportunities in Derita to major investments in the Historic West End.

As our city grows, so do the financial decisions facing local families and business owners.

Whether you're thinking about buying a home, preparing for retirement, growing a business, planning for your children's future, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, having a plan matters.

Hayes Meeks Financial helps Charlotte residents create personalized financial strategies built around their goals, not generic advice.

Areas of Focus:

๐Ÿก Planning for Homeownership
๐Ÿ“ˆ Retirement Strategy
๐Ÿ’ผ Business Financial Planning
๐Ÿงพ Tax Planning & Preparation
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Wealth Building & Protection

The best time to prepare for the future is before opportunity arrives.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Schedule a consultation today →

The historic Excelsior Club at 921 Beatties Ford Road is gearing up for a major revival after nearly a decade of uncertainty.

 

Founded in 1944 by James โ€œJimmieโ€ McKee, the club was a beacon for Black Charlotteans and travelers during segregation, hosting legends like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong.

 

Now, with an $8.3 million redevelopment backed by city, county, and private funds, the iconic West End landmark will be reconstructed as a near replica that honors its storied past.

 

Plans include a live music venue, restaurant, museum, and community space, all designed to celebrate Black history and invigorate the neighborhood.

 

Demolition is scheduled for Summer 2026, with reopening expected between 2028 and 2029.

 

This comeback is more than a building; itโ€™s a powerful commitment to preserving Charlotteโ€™s history while investing in the future of the Historic West End.


Read More...

Savona Food Works is set to transform Charlotteโ€™s Historic West End, anchoring the major redevelopment of the iconic Savona Mill.

 

Taking over the historic โ€œWeaveโ€ building, this expansive 30,000-square-foot food hall will feature 25 food stalls, a rooftop bar with skyline views, a full-service restaurant, and a dedicated flower market.

 

Helmed by renowned food hall operator Robert Montwaid, best known for New Yorkโ€™s Gansevoort Market and Atlantaโ€™s Chattahoochee Food Works, the venue is designed as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

 

The developmentโ€”by Portman Holdingsโ€”embraces adaptive reuse, preserving the areaโ€™s industrial character and blending historic charm with modern amenities across a sprawling 27-acre site.

 

Set to open in 2027, Savona Food Works aims to be more than a culinary destination; itโ€™s poised to provide jobs, boost local businesses, and become a vibrant community hub for West End neighborhoods.


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Seven local businesses in Mecklenburg county were honored at the annual Crowns of Enterprise Awards.

The awards recognize businesses that have excelled in their industries and contributed to the county's economic growth.

Winners included a wide range of businesses from technology companies to healthcare providers.

The event highlighted the importance of small businesses in driving the local economy and creating jobs.

The awards serve as a way to showcase the success and impact of these businesses within the community.
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Great Wolf Lodge Concord offers discounted overnight stays for families looking for a summer vacation without leaving Charlotte.

The stay includes access to an indoor water park, family-friendly activities, and daily water park passes for all guests.

The lodge is just 25 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and offers a range of amenities, including mini golf, bowling, arcade games, and family suites that sleep up to 6-8 guests.

Rates start at $136.74 per night for family suites including water park wristbands.

This deal provides an affordable and convenient option for a memorable summer adventure close to home.
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Charlotte homeowners are increasingly opting for pondless waterfalls in their backyards due to their beauty, low maintenance, and safety.

These water features offer the calming sights and sounds of flowing water without the hassle of traditional ponds.

Families appreciate the safety of pondless waterfalls, as there is no standing water for children and pets to fall into.

With minimal maintenance requirements and year-round appeal, pondless waterfalls are a popular choice for creating a relaxing outdoor space that feels connected to nature.

These features can easily be integrated into Charlotte's natural landscape and provide a serene retreat in any backyard.
Read More...

Harmony Ridge is bringing hope to Charlotte families struggling with the cityโ€™s rising home prices.

 

Developed through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and D.R. Horton, eight affordable townhomes are under construction in the Derita neighborhood.

 

Designed for moderate-income buyers, these three-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot homes will sell for the mid-$290,000sโ€”an increasingly rare price point in Mecklenburg County.

 

Innovative building materials from Plantd and down payment assistance from the House Charlotte program will make ownership even more accessible.

 

Eligible families earning up to 80% of the area median income can apply, with move-ins expected by early 2027.

 

This effort offers not just new homes, but a model for sustainable, community-based affordable housingโ€”bringing lasting impact to Charlotteโ€™s working families.


Read More...

Weekend Event Picks: June 5 - 28

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ The Event Loop: What’s Happening In Charlotte

 

Charlotte’s calendar is heating up! From massive food festivals and Pride celebrations to the world-famous Savannah Bananas, here are the best ways to get out and enjoy the Queen City this week.

 

๐Ÿ” Taste of Charlotte | June 5–7
Charlotte’s massive three-day food festival takes over Tryon Street with 100+ menu items from local restaurants, live music on three stages, and a huge marketplace packed with vendors.

๐Ÿ“… Friday – Sunday, June 5–7, 2026
โฐ Fri & Sat 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Tryon Street (Trade St to Brooklyn Village Ave)
๐Ÿ”— Official festival guide →

 

๐Ÿœ Asian Night Market | June 5
Experience the vibrant flavors of the East with a night dedicated to Asian food trucks, local artists, and a high-energy karaoke stage at the Urban District Market.

๐Ÿ“… Friday, June 5, 2026
โฐ 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ Urban District Market, 2315 N Davidson St
๐Ÿ”— Night Market details →

 

๐ŸŒˆ Pride Weekend | June 5–6
The celebrations continue with the Pineville Pride (Friday 5-9 PM) and The Queens Pride Collective (Saturday 12-6 PM), featuring LGBTQ+ and ally-owned vendors, drag performances, and local art.

๐Ÿ“… Friday & Saturday, June 5–6, 2026
๐Ÿ“ Pineville Town Hall & Urban District Market
๐Ÿ”— Market details →

 

๐ŸŒ Savannah Bananas: Banana Ball | June 5–7
The most entertaining show in sports! The Savannah Bananas bring their unique "Banana Ball" brand to Uptown Charlotte for a three-day residency at Truist Field.

๐Ÿ“… Friday – Sunday, June 5–7, 2026
๐Ÿ“ Truist Field, 324 S Mint St
๐Ÿ”— Check for tickets →

 

๐ŸŽป Black Panther in Concert | June 5–6
The Charlotte Symphony performs the movie's Grammy-winning score live to the film. A massive cinematic and musical experience at the Belk Theater.

๐Ÿ“… Friday & Saturday, June 5–6, 2026
โฐ 7:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Belk Theater, 130 N Tryon St
๐Ÿ”— Event tickets →

 

๐ŸŽก Indian Trail Family Fun Day | June 6
A perfect family outing with free rides, local vendors, food trucks, and a huge fireworks display to close out the night.

๐Ÿ“… Saturday, June 6, 2026
โฐ 2:00 PM – 9:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Crooked Creek Park, 5900 Oakwood Ln
๐Ÿ”— Full event schedule →

 

๐ŸŒ† The Horizon: Save These Dates

 

๐ŸŠ Mimosa Land | June 13
Romare Bearden Park transforms into a full-day summer party featuring live DJs, lawn setups, skyline views, and plenty of mimosas.

๐Ÿ“… Saturday, June 13, 2026 | ๐Ÿ“ Romare Bearden Park

 

โœŠ Queen City Juneteenth Cultural Celebration | June 13
A community-led event focused on youth leadership, heritage, storytelling, and local vendors celebrating freedom and culture.

๐Ÿ“… Saturday, June 13, 2026 | ๐Ÿ“ Elevation Church – University City

 

๐Ÿง˜ Inertia Fitness Grand Opening | June 13
A wellness festival featuring free workouts, mobility workshops, and local wellness vendors to celebrate their newest location.

๐Ÿ“… Saturday, June 13, 2026 | ๐Ÿ“ 10624 Metromont Pkwy

 

๐ŸŽต RÜFÜS DU SOL | June 16
The Grammy-winning electronic trio brings their Inhale / Exhale World Tour to Charlotte. Lawn seats are moving fast!

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | ๐Ÿ“ Truliant Amphitheater

 

๐Ÿฅ Juneteenth Festival of The Carolinas | June 18–21
A Plaza Midwood tradition for nearly three decades featuring drum circles, a Freedom March, and a massive cultural celebration.

๐Ÿ“… June 18–21, 2026 | ๐Ÿ“ Plaza Midwood

 

๐ŸŽญ Queen City Caribbean Carnival | June 25–28
Four days of Caribbean culture, food, and music culminating in a vibrant Uptown parade with costumes and island energy.

๐Ÿ“… June 25–28, 2026 | ๐Ÿ“ Uptown Charlotte

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The Queen City Scoop is your daily source for everything happening in Charlotte, North Carolina. From the latest local news and community stories to must-attend events and small business spotlights, weโ€™ve got you covered. Whether youโ€™ve called Charlotte home for years or youโ€™re new to town, The Queen City Scoop keeps you connected with the pulse of this vibrant city.

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