Sneak peek: $90M restored Carolina Theatre opening soon

Alexandria Sands Axios

​After nearly 50 years, the historic Carolina Theatre in Uptown is set to reopen any day now.

Why it matters: No one has enjoyed the theatre since it shuttered in 1978. But soon — after more than a decade of planning and restoration — Foundation For The Carolinas will reopen it as a community-first, nonprofit theatre on the corner of North Tryon and East 6th Street.

The big picture: With 906 seats, Carolina Theatre will host speakers, comedy shows, films, plays, weddings and live music — think everything from the symphony to "Star Wars" screenings.

Catch up quick: The Foundation took ownership of the theatre in 2012 and began construction in 2017. The restoration proved complicated, with costs soaring to $90 million. A mix of public dollars and donors paid for the project.

From lead paint to contaminated water, crews kept uncovering surprises that prolonged construction. The impacts of COVID and permitting delays drew out the process as well.
What they're saying: "The attention to details makes it look like this," says Sean Seifert, Carolina Theatre executive. "It's worth the extra time and effort ... to get it right."

Although the theatre looks vintage, it's equipped with the latest technology, such as a projection system that wraps around the walls and state-of-the-art sound comparable to AMC. "We like to say we're Charlotte's oldest, newest theatre," adds communications director.

Flashback: First opened in 1927, Carolina Theatre hosted legends such as Elvis Presley and "The Sound of Music" in its heyday. It has outlasted time in Charlotte — a city criticized for razing most of its history.

Zoom out: A 250-room InterContinental Hotel is planned for construction above the theatre, but the project stalled in 2020.

Australian investment firm Salter Brothers holds the rights for two more years to start construction. It did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
However, if construction were to begin now, the theatre would have to temporarily close again.

What's next: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's spring gala on March 28 is one of the first performances coming to the new Carolina Theatre.

More events will be announced soon.