CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020) – City, neighborhood and business leaders on Thursday celebrated the groundbreaking of a revitalization project aimed at transforming a landmark location near the vital intersection of Beatties Ford Road and Lasalle Street.
E-Fix Development Corp in partnership with the Historic West End Partners and the City of Charlotte broke ground today on an upfit commercial redevelopment project at 2023 Beatties Ford Road that will feature JP Morgan & Chase Co. as an anchor tenant.
Christopher Dennis, Owner and CEO of E-Fix Development Corp., a minority and veteran owned business, said he is working to bring Class A developments along Beatties Ford Road that are all part of the city’s Corridors of Opportunity revitalization initiative.
“We are here to facilitate positive change for all those who live work and invest in this community,” said Dennis. “We believe in preserving the history and culture of the West End community as we embrace the start of developments that will reshape the outside perception of the area and showcase what is a strong and vibrant community.”
Dennis said the West End projects will be founded on the three pillars of local community engagement, small business development and highlighting art and culture to drive intentional conversations.
The project lies in City Council District 2, represented by Council Member Malcolm Graham.
“This is not a District 2 project, this is a city-wide project that reflects the values of a community,” said Graham. “This is not just a groundbreaking this the first of many positive activities for this corridor.”
Graham noted other city initiatives in the area, including:
Mayor Vi Lyles talked about her personal connection to the area and that the project had unanimous support from city council. Lyles said the project would serve as an “anchor” for the west side corridor.
Council Member At Large James Mitchell said the project is a result of the city’s commitment to the
Corridors of Opportunity.
The City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity initiative invests $24.5 million in six key corridors and focuses revitalization efforts on initiatives that include: bolstering community programs and projects; building on the momentum of past investments; and filling in gaps in infrastructure and transportation, workforce and business development, housing and code enforcement, public safety, and urban design.
The six corridors are:
The site at 2023 Beatties Ford Rd once housed the historic McDonald’s Cafeteria. McDonald's Cafeteria was a West Charlotte institution for over 30 years - opening in the early 1970s. McDonald's Cafeteria not only featured great home cooking, but was a memorable gathering place for people of all races by promoting community and diversity. E-Fix Development is proud to reinvigorate this space with the goal of providing a desirable and inclusive destination for all.
J'Tanya Adams, Director of Historic West End Partners said of the new development, “The more we come together and connect, great things like this can happen.”