The Excelsior Club was once considered the premier Black social club of the Southeast. But since then, it has fallen into disrepair.
Now, a developer wants to revitalize the Washington Heights property. In a 9 investigation, Channel 9′s Joe Bruno learned he is running out of time before additional city council action is needed.
The Excelsior Club is one of Charlotte’s most historic and storied buildings. For Black residents, it was the social and political hub, welcoming people like Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and Bill Clinton.
“I enjoyed the camaraderie, the fellowship, the unity that arose from the club,” said its former owner James E. Ferguson II.
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Ferguson, a legendary civil rights attorney, said some of the best years of his life were when he owned the Excelsior Club.
“We needed a place where people could gather and talk about history, talk about our politics, and just socialize and be happy coming together,” he said.