Carolina Theatre

Part II

Carolina Theatre

230 North Tryon Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 

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Charlie Clayton and Billy Clayton

It's been two months since the historic Carolina Theatre reopened and with its opening came the continuation of a family affair. A story that has come full circle.

One can only imagine how Charlie felt when he first entered a restored Carolina to the tune of $90 millon after working to save the theatre for years.   

A man named Charlie who patiently waited for his dream to become reality. 

Charlie saw what others did not see.

The Carolina Theatre held special memories for thousands who attended events during its prime.  For others, it represented a piece of architectural history too important to tear down.  For 40 years, political leaders like former Councilwoman Patsy Kinsey and community activists like Charlie Clayton, Lisa Lee Morgan, Sally Van Allen and John Apple pursued development options for the Carolina Theatre.  Their steadfast and focused efforts to raise awareness of the theatre and its historical significance to Charlotte ensured the theatre's preservation.

Thank you, Charlie, Lisa, Sally and John. 

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The Best is Yet to Come...

After nearly five decades, sitting vacant, the Carolina Theatre is set to open its doors and welcome guests.  

.. It did ..

  🌟 March 24, 2025 🌟 

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The Carolina Theatre now proudly serves as the "community's living room" hosting events like town halls, annual meetings, symposiums, panel discussions, full-length films, live music, comedians and more. 

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Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo

Starring

Spencer Tracy and Van Johnson 

Circa 1944

Unfortunately, like other theatres in the south, the Carolina Theatre has a history of segregation.  Blacks were prohibited from attending for decades though it changed in 1963 when Charlotte theatres began a trial desegregation period.  The Carolina Theatre began admitting blacks in small groups, but they were required to reserve seating in advance.  Within a few weeks, theatre owners dropped the reservation requirement and began rightfully admitting all patrons on the same basis.  

Sadly, the Carolina Theatre went into decline as audiences gravitated to the suburbs. When the Carolina Theatre closed in 1978, it was never forgotten!

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In 1982, the Carolina Theatre which had narrowly escaped a fire two years earlier was placed on the local historic register and the city bought the property in 1986.  In subsequent years, several efforts to restore and renovate the theatre were tried and failed.  Local citizens formed the Carolina Theatre Preservation in 1997 to help save the theatre.  

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In the spring of 2012, Foundation for the Carolinas approached the City of Charlotte  to request the Carolina Theatre be gifted to the Foundation.  The Foundation had a vested interest in the site and sought to ensure the property was a compliment to the surrounding neighborhood, a landmark for Tryon Street plus a strong civic and entertainment destination for Charlotte's Uptown.  The City of Charlotte gifted the Carolina Theatre and its associated land to the Foundation for $1 in 2023. The Foundation then spent 12 years painstakingly restoring the beloved theatre to its original glory while adding contemporary touches and technology.

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After many unsuccessful attempts to renovate and revive the theatre, the City of Charlotte acquired the building in 1986 and sold it to Foundation for the Carolinas in April 2013.  The renovation restored historical touches such as the iconic wall murals to replicate the original 1927 atmosphere as much as possible.

Construction on the restoration began in 2017.  The Carolina is part of a larger Civic Campus called Belk Place. Programming focuses on community gatherings, films, concerts and more. The ribbon cutting ceremony occurred March 24, 2025.  The first performance was March 28, 2025 featuring soprano Renee Fleming joined by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for a performance billed as "A Homecoming". 

A Wide Angle View from the Stage

.. Congratulations .. 

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 🌟 a beautiful sight to behold. 🌟