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Plaza-Midwood
 Plaza-Midwood is a vibrant inner-city neighborhood whose rich history tells much about the neighborhood that is thriving today. Located 2 miles from the Uptown, the earliest avenues of the neighborhood were drawn in 1903 although many of the city’s more prominent neighborhoods had already been established and served by the then popular eclectic street car since the 1890’s. Growth in this newer community was slow until the street car service began in the mid 1910’s. Following the growth of the street car, the next periods of transformation occurred with the introduction of affordable automobile transportation in the 1930’s and then the urban sprawl of the 1970’s. As a result of the urban sprawl of the 1970’s, the neighborhood began to decline and homes fell into disrepair. In 1975, the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association was established to protect and preserve the neighborhood. While the 1980’s were unkind to the neighborhood, the neighborhood began to increase in popularity again in the mid-1990’s. Since the mid 90’s the area has seen a dramatic comeback as urban pioneers have invested in homes and transformed once dilapidated homes into chic urban dwellings. The neighborhood has been influenced by some key figures in the history of the city as well as the breeding ground of some of the largest retailers in the region. The rich history of this neighborhood and the transformation that this neighborhood has seen over the past decades are something to truly marvel.  One of the unique characteristics of the neighborhood that makes it truly unique is the presence of local retail within a comfortable stroll. The shopping found its beginning as the result of the street car’s introduction in the 1920’s. Surviving decades of change, the “Streetcar shopping strips” became popular around town in the mid 1930’s at the end of lines and at major turns in the line targeting both commuters and workers in nearby mills. One of the most notable startups in Midwood along this streetcar focused shopping district was a small store by W.T. Harris founded in 1936. In 1951, the store “Harris Teeter” opened its doors targeted for automobile customers taking its first step towards becoming the regional powerhouse that it is today. While the original store is no longer standing, the store, dating back to 1951, on the corner of Central and Plaza is the most popular grocery store servicing Midwood and surround neighborhoods to this day. There are many landmark buildings in Midwood that serve as neighborhood icons during the revitalization of the last decade. Two of the most prominent icons are The Penguin and Dairy Queen. The very first Dairy Queen to open for business in Charlotte is located on the corner of Central and Pecan. Constructed in 1951, the auto-oriented design stands today as a neighborhood icon and a popular destination for ice cream. The other popular icon in the neighborhood is The Penguin. Opened in 1954, Jimmy Ballentine’s restaurant quickly became famous for its late hours, cold beer, and reasonable prices. When Mr. Ballentine retired in 1999, a new team took over the Plaza-Midwood mainstay who were committed to preserving the heart and tradition that The Penguin had created. The dining menu is especially famous for their basic burgers, dogs, and fries, as well as offering a house-made Brunswick stew.  In a neighborhood so rich in history, it’s not surprising that Midwood has been home to many notable people in the history of Charlotte. One of those influential people was John Crosland, Sr. who ranks among Charlotte’s most prolific developers. His reputation, say many, is rivaled by only Edward Dilworth Latta who developed the city’s first suburb in 1891. Mr. Crosland, educated at Davidson College and NC State, began his developing career in 1937 and is most notable for the introduction of Ranch style housing. At his death in 1977 the city was filled with over 6,500 houses built by his company. His home, built in 1951, faces Charlotte Country Club at 3021 Belvedere Avenue and is standing to this day. Another famous individual to call Midwood home was Ralph VanLandingham. The estate, at approximately 3.5 acres, is an example of excellently preserved Bungalow style home dating back to 1914. Ralph VanLandingham built his estate through cotton brokerage during the textile boom in the early twentieth century. Mrs. VanLandingham was also successful in her career as the head of an Atlanta, GA hotel firm as well as the chair of St. Peter’s Hospital and the North Carolina Board of Approved Schools. The family is especially valuable to local historians who have preserved household and business papers of the VanLandinghams at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Atkins Library. Today the VanLandingham estate works as a conference and event center hosting numerous weddings and celebrations throughout the year.  The diversity of Plaza Midwood today is its greatest asset. There are condos, bungalows, and Victorians. Young or old. Single or married. Preppy or Hippie. Any and all are welcome in the neighborhood mixed in tradition and history. Many people today enjoy the neighborhood feel and the relatively affordable housing in relationship to the proximity to the Uptown. Art gallery crawls and neighborhood festivals are popular for both residents of Midwood and around as events to see and be seen. History very well may repeat itself in the neighborhood as well. There are talks again of a street car service returning again. Regardless, the future of Midwood is bright as one of the most popular inner-city neighborhoods to live and play.
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