‘Opportunities are endless’: Hornets Sports and Entertainment team up with developers for the old Epicentre

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - What was once a bustling nightlife hub in Charlotte’s Center City is getting a revamp thanks to some new owners.

Queen City Quarter, formerly known as the Epicentre has been acquired by a group of development partners including Hornets Sports and Entertainment.

Related: The Hornets are buying the old Epicentre in a joint venture

It was the place to be in Uptown with nightlife, restaurants, shopping and more. Now, Queen City Quarter or what some people remember as the Epicentre, is full of “now leasing” signs and dark shop spaces.

With new owners at the helm, city leaders are hopeful this once vibrant spot will once again be full of people experiencing everything Charlotte has to offer.

Also Read: Former EpiCentre to hit market again as leaders push new vision for Uptown

“This facility became an icon for Center City,” says Vinay Patel, one of the principals with Sree Hotels.

“It has really hurt me to see a prime real estate location be effectively dormant for some time,” said Charlotte City Council member Dante Anderson.

Vinay Patel’s hotel connected to Queen city Quarter or the Epicentre has seen it all.

“I used to come here all the time, go to the Hornets game, stop by here, you know, grab a bite to eat with the kids. Over time that started going away,” Patel said.

It became a spot where police lights and crime scene tape became a common sight, then started to empty out.

But under new ownership between Hornets Sports and Entertainment, Lincoln Property Company and Vision Ventures, new life will be brought back to Uptown.

The group announced on Tuesday, Nov. 3, they had acquired the Queen City Quarter property.

In a press release, Johno Harris, Senior Executive Vice President at Lincoln Property Company said, “We’re incredibly excited to continue our strong partnership with Vision Ventures and the Hornets as we work together to bring new energy and investment to Queen City Quarter and Uptown Charlotte. By building on the work we’ve already done together, we have an opportunity to help drive economic development, strengthen this important district and contribute to the continued evolution of Uptown.”

Also Read: Hornets got a steal on the ex-Epicentre

According to the release, Vision Ventures previously owned the property from 2010 to 2015, and during that time increased occupancy from approximately 50% to 95%.

“Having previously acquired this property and successfully led its repositioning, we understand the importance of the location,” said Paul Picarazzi, the Managing Principal at Vision Ventures. “That history gives us a unique perspective, and we’ve assembled a team built to deliver the next chapter and new vision for the site. We’re excited about this partnership and confident that our combined strengths will help make this property a contributing asset for Uptown Charlotte once again.”

Related: What’s next for the Epicentre?

Business owners like Patel want to see tenants that will compliment the Spectrum Center while also bringing in people who live and work here.

“People keep talking about retail in the Center City of lack thereof. Here’s an opportunity to create some of that. I think restaurants and other facilities will follow,” Patel says.

At the forefront of the planning process: security and safety.

“We have to have a robust multi-layer safety plan, a safety approach that’s not simply just about CMPD, but it’s about those private officers there that work in the corporations,” Anderson says.

The hope is to create a place everyone can be proud of.

“The opportunities, I think, are endless,” Patel says.

“We’re proud to partner with Lincoln Property Company and Vision Ventures on Queen City Quarter, a property at our front door that has long been an important part of Uptown,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. “A vibrant Uptown is essential to Charlotte’s continued emergence as a leading U.S. city, and we’re committed to being part of the city’s future success. Alongside partners with deep local roots, we look forward to creating a welcoming destination that restores the area’s energy, brings people together and gives residents, visitors and fans more reasons to spend time Uptown.”

As for exact design plans and tenants, council member Anderson says the behind the scenes work is still very much ongoing.