Explored the hidden shopping complex in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. This is my discovery.
Overstreet Mall, a significant landmark in Charlotte's Uptown area, has been a popular shopping destination since its opening in 1955[1]. With its rich history, the mall has provided a nostalgic mall experience for generations. However, in recent years, Overstreet Mall has faced challenges common to many malls, including decreased foot traffic and a decline in retail activity[2].
Before the pandemic, the mall boasted dozens of restaurants and shops for people to enjoy. Today, it offers a few lunch and coffee spots, a Walgreens, a barber shop, a stationery store, an eye doctor's office, a small branch of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, and more[5]. Despite these offerings, many workers have expressed a lack of restaurant and retail options, suggesting that more could entice them to use the mall more frequently[6].
Navigating the entrances of Overstreet Mall has been a bit difficult, with entrances on Tryon and College streets[3]. In the past, the mall connected One, Two and Three Wells Fargo Center, Charlotte Plaza, BB&T Center, One South at the Plaza, Bank of America Corporate Center, and Truist Center[3]. Overstreet Mall was built in the 1970s as part of an effort to help revitalize uptown Charlotte[7].
One of the long-standing businesses in Overstreet Mall is City Barbers, a barber shop that has been operating since 2011[4]. The primary clientele of City Barbers are local bank workers[4]. However, some businesses in the mall have closed due to lack of customers following the COVID-19 pandemic[8].
Recent efforts to revitalize Overstreet Mall include engaging art events and creative uses of the space to boost appeal and foot traffic[4]. For example, showcasing artistic installations, such as mannequins and fashion displays, has been implemented to attract visitors[4]. Maintaining infrastructure and ensuring safety are also critical to sustaining visitor numbers[2].
Office culture has changed dramatically in recent years, with the five-day, in-person work week no longer common in the corporate world[9]. This shift has had an impact on the usage of Overstreet Mall, as office workers now come in, do their work, and leave quickly[9]. Despite these challenges, the mall continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Charlotteans and remains a symbol of the city's rich history.
Despite multiple attempts to reach a spokesperson for Overstreet Mall, no response was received for this article[10]. However, interviews with office workers in the area revealed a decrease in activity in Overstreet Mall since the pandemic[11]. As the city of Charlotte continues to grow and evolve, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this historic mall.
In an effort to attract more visitors and entice office workers, creative initiatives like artistic installations and fashion displays within Overstreet Mall have been introduced. Enhancing the mall's lifestyle and home-and-garden shopping options could further encourage more frequent use of the mall.
