Queen City Quarter Property Development Charlotte | Explore Opportunities

Last Updated on: 1st March 2025, 04:00 am

Welcome to the Queen City Quarter, a revitalized mixed-use space in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina. Formerly known as the EpiCentre, this property has undergone a significant transformation to better serve the community and visitors alike. With its prime location at 210 E. Trade Street, it’s a hub of activity and opportunity¹.

CBRE, a global leader in real estate services, has taken the reins to reimagine this space. The property spans 302,324 square feet and includes retail, office, and entertainment spaces². Renovations focus on enhancing the visitor experience, with upgrades to lighting, security, and landscaping. These changes aim to create a safer and more inviting environment³.

Charlotte’s nickname, “The Queen City,” inspired the rebranding, reflecting the area’s rich history and vibrant future. The Queen City Quarter is set to become a cornerstone of uptown Charlotte, offering a blend of modern amenities and urban charm. Learn more about the vision behind this transformation.

Key Takeaways

• The Queen City Quarter is a rebranded mixed-use development in Charlotte, NC.
• CBRE leads the renovation efforts, focusing on safety and visitor experience.
• The property spans 302,324 square feet, featuring retail and office spaces.
• Upgrades include improved lighting, security, and landscaping.
• Located at 210 E. Trade Street, it’s a central hub in uptown Charlotte.

Project Overview and Market Impact

The transformation of this iconic space reflects Charlotte’s dynamic growth and its commitment to urban revitalization. Formerly known as the EpiCentre, this mixed-use development has evolved significantly, now positioned as a cornerstone of the urban core. Its strategic location near key attractions like the Charlotte Convention Center and the LYNX light rail station enhances its appeal⁴.

Background and Historical Context

Originally opened in 2008, the EpiCentre quickly became a hub for entertainment, dining, and retail. However, challenges such as deferred repairs and financial distress led to its foreclosure in 2022⁵. Under CBRE’s management, the property is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, focusing on safety, aesthetics, and tenant satisfaction.

This revitalization aligns with Charlotte’s broader economic trends. The city’s financial services sector supports over 100,000 jobs, while the airport’s annual economic impact exceeds $32 billion⁴. These factors contribute to the property’s potential as a thriving mixed-use destination.

Charlotte’s Thriving Market and Investment Potential

Charlotte’s economy is booming, driven by industries like fintech and real estate. The region’s hotel supply has grown by nearly 10% since 2020, with over 3,600 guestrooms added⁴. This growth underscores the city’s appeal to investors and businesses alike.

Retail leasing activity remains strong, with a vacancy rate of just 3.0%⁵. The property’s proximity to major employers and transit options makes it an attractive choice for tenants seeking visibility and accessibility.

Positioning within the Urban Core

Located at the heart of uptown Charlotte, this development is designed to serve both corporate and family-friendly audiences. Upgrades to lighting, landscaping, and security aim to create a welcoming environment⁶. The Queen City Quarter is poised to become a vibrant hub, blending modern amenities with urban charm.

With its strategic location and ongoing improvements, this space is set to play a pivotal role in Charlotte’s urban landscape. Its transformation reflects the city’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.

Queen City Quarter Property Development Charlotte: Renovations and Tenant Updates

Exciting changes are underway, transforming this space into a vibrant destination. The extensive renovation project focuses on enhancing visitor experience and creating a welcoming environment. Key improvements include repairs to courtyards, parking garages, and patios, alongside new landscaping and lighting installations⁷.

Renovation Timeline and Key Improvements

The renovation timeline is packed with significant upgrades. Repairs to the roof and public staircases are set for completion in 2023⁷. New amenities like benches and enhanced security systems are already in place, ensuring a safer and more comfortable space for visitors.

Upcoming projects include escalator renovations and additional landscaping. These efforts reflect CBRE’s commitment to revitalizing this iconic location⁷.

Tenant Announcements and Leasing Deals

New tenants are joining the roster, adding diversity to the retail and dining options. Portal 123, Nostalgia Hollow Co., Cajun Market, and Super Icy Brothers have signed leasing deals, with openings planned for Q2 and Q3 of 2023⁷.

Established names like World of Beer and Mortimer’s Café & Pub have renewed their leases, signaling confidence in the property’s future. These updates highlight the appeal of this mixed-use development in uptown Charlotte⁷.

For more details on the leasing updates, visit CBRE’s announcement.

Experiencing the Transformation at Queen City Quarter

The revitalization of this iconic area is setting a new standard for urban spaces. Located at 210 E. Trade Street, the property is undergoing a remarkable transformation under the management of CBRE Group¹. The focus is on creating a welcoming environment that blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Enhanced Amenities and Public Spaces

Visitors will notice significant upgrades to public areas. New benches, planters, and landscaped walkways are being installed to enhance the experience. The courtyard and plaza areas are receiving fresh outdoor pavers, making them more inviting for gatherings and events¹.

Eco-friendly lighting is another key improvement, ensuring safety while reducing energy consumption. These changes are designed to make the space a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors alike.

Innovative Urban Design and Placemaking by Streetsense

Streetsense, a leader in urban design, is redefining the property’s narrative. Their strategy focuses on placemaking, creating spaces that foster community engagement. Jeff Pollak from Streetsense explains,

“Our goal is to blend modern design with the area’s unique character, making it a destination for all.”

Physical upgrades include the renovation of exterior façades and the addition of functional seating areas. These efforts aim to support a diverse mix of uses, from dining and shopping to office spaces¹.

• Refreshed public plazas and seating areas.
• Renovated façades with modern aesthetics.
• Eco-friendly lighting for safety and sustainability.

These transformations are not just about looks. They’re about creating a space that drives economic growth and community connection in uptown Charlotte.

Conclusion

The journey of this iconic space reflects a commitment to innovation and community. From its historic roots as the EpiCentre to its current transformation, this mixed-use destination has become a cornerstone of uptown life. Phased renovations, including improved lighting and landscaping, have enhanced both visitor and tenant experiences⁸.

Strategic partnerships with CBRE and Streetsense have driven the project’s success. The diverse tenant mix, from retail to dining, promises a dynamic evolution in the urban core. These efforts set a new standard for urban revitalization, blending modern amenities with a welcoming atmosphere⁹.

Looking ahead, this project is poised to continue shaping the future of the area. Its innovative design and community-focused approach ensure it remains a vibrant hub for years to come¹⁰.

Source Links

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_City_Quarter
2. https://www.wbtv.com/2022/09/27/charlottes-epicentre-is-finally-moving-forward-with-new-name-vision/
3. https://www.wbtv.com/2023/03/22/looking-forward-it-excitement-surrounds-new-businesses-coming-queen-city-quarter/
4. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4117219.html
5. https://lumicre.com/realestate/retail/investing-in-charlotte-a-2023-retail-sector-overview/
6. https://businessnc.com/charlottes-crown-jewels/
7. https://www.cbre.com/press-releases/uptown-charlotte-s-epicentre-renamed-queen-city-quarter-rebranding-renovations-and-property
8. https://www.charlottenc.gov/Growth-and-Development/Corridors-of-Opportunity
9. https://www.jeffcookrealestate.com/charlotte/charlotte-economy/
10. https://blueprinttitle.com/the-top-ranked-real-estate-markets-for-investors/