On May 29, heaven returned to Plaza Midwood.
That day, Harris Teeter reopened its location at The Plaza and Central Avenue.
Central Avenue was the location of W.T. Harris’ first store, which opened in 1936 down the street from the current location. It was the city’s first air-conditioned grocery store and the first to stay open until 9pm on Friday nights.
When the company decided to renovate the Plaza Midwood location, it wanted to do something special, to honor both its legacy and the arts-inspired neighborhood it’s a part of. As such, reclaimed wood from the original 1704 Central Avenue location was incorporated in the ceiling planks of the market and seating areas, as well as in the produce stands.
In addition to being expanded and updated with an Art Deco style, the store also features mosaics by Charlotte-born artist Tom Thoune, a green roof system and sculptural bike racks to promote a bike-friendly community. It boasts a 40-foot cheese bar, a wine shop, an outdoor sitting area, and a rooftop eating area. The green roof system, also called a live roof, is visible from the rooftop eating area. It will collect storm water and help control pollution on the plaza.
The new store is now 45,000 square feet over two stories, includes a pharmacy and will be open from 6am to midnight, seven days a week.
Plaza Midwood is a great walkable neighborhood and a tight-knit community. It’s no wonder that area residents were so excited when the location reopened – Harris Teeter had been a part of the community for so long that it was sorely missed while it was closed during its renovation! If this sounds like your ideal neighborhood and where you’d like to call home, check out Savvy & Co’s Plaza Midwood listings! We’ve got some great properties that I’d love to show you!
Image: Charlotte Business Journal
