Efforts continue to save the historic Excelsior Club, the property on Beatties Ford Road that served as a scene for the Who’s Who of black Charlotte for more than 70 years.
The Historic Landmarks Commission reached a deal on Tuesday with the club’s owner, state Rep. Carla Cunningham, for a one-year option to purchase the property or find another buyer. Dan Morrill, the commission’s consulting director, said that the organization will examine the feasibility of restoring the building. It could pick up the $350,000 price tag after a year, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The county commission would have to approve the deal, which could happen at its Oct. 2 meeting.
It’s been a long road for the Excelsior Club. The doors have been shut for more than two years after falling behind in payments. Cunningham initiated foreclosure after it was reported that the former club owner attorney James Ferguson owed more than $174,000 in unpaid taxes.
