Eternity

Huge Uptown news as the Charlotte Hornets team up to buy the EpiCentre News release: Lincoln Property Company, Vision Ventures and Hornets Sports & Entertainment Form Joint Venture to Acquire Queen City Quarter in Uptown Charlotte Partnership aims to revitalize the former EpiCentre and support continued economic development in the heart of Uptown CHARLOTTE, N.C. November 2, 2026– Lincoln Property Company, a global full-service real estate firm, Vision Ventures, a full-service real estate company, and Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE), a leading sports and entertainment organization that owns the Charlotte Hornets and operates Spectrum Center, today announced a joint venture to acquire Queen City Quarter, formerly known as the EpiCentre, a 302,324-square-foot mixed-use entertainment, dining and retail destination in Uptown Charlotte. Located at 210 E. Trade Street, Queen City Quarteroccupies approximately 3.17 acres in the heart of Uptown, along a key corridor connecting Spectrum Center and the Charlotte Convention Center. The acquisition represents an opportunity to reimagine the property as a vibrant destination that contributes to Uptown's continued economic development and enhances the experience for residents, businesses and visitors. Originally opened in 2008, the four-level complex includes restaurant, retail, entertainment and office space, with direct connections to nearby hotels, the Overstreet Mall and the LYNX Blue Line light rail. Once a thriving entertainment hub, the property has experienced significant changes in occupancy and activity in recent years. The joint venture will evaluate opportunities to reposition the asset to better serve the surrounding community and evolving needs of Uptown Charlotte. “We’re incredibly excited to continue our strong partnership with Vision Ventures and the Hornets as we work together to bring new energy and investment to Queen City Quarter and Uptown Charlotte,” said Johno Harris, Senior Executive Vice President at Lincoln Property Company. “By building on the work we’ve already done together, we have an opportunity to help drive economic development, strengthen this important district and contribute to the continued evolution of Uptown.” Vision Ventures previously owned the property from 2010 to 2015, during which time occupancy increased from approximately 50% to 95%. The firm's familiarity with the asset and the Charlotte market will help inform the joint venture's approach to its next chapter. “Having previously acquired this property and successfully led its repositioning, we understand the importance of the location,” said Paul Picarazzi, Managing Principal at Vision Ventures. “That history gives us a unique perspective, and we've assembled a team built to deliver the next chapter and new vision for the site. We're excited about this partnership and confident that our combined strengths will help make this property a contributing asset for Uptown Charlotte once again.” Hornets Sports & Entertainment’s involvement in Queen City Quarter extends its commitment to Uptown beyond Spectrum Center, building on its recent investment in the development of the new state-of-the-art Novant Health Performance Center, located across from the arena and opening in spring 2027.  “We’re proud to partner with Lincoln Property Company and Vision Ventures on Queen City Quarter, a property at our front door that has long been an important part of Uptown,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. “A vibrant Uptown is essential to Charlotte’s continued emergence as a leading U.S. city, and we’re committed to being part of the city’s future success. Alongside partners with deep local roots, we look forward to creating a welcoming destination that restores the area’s energy, brings people together and gives residents, visitors and fans more reasons to spend time Uptown.”