CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Signs of change are all over Phil Cowles barber shop and hair salon. Modern Haircutters is moving to a new location down the street. A new developer bought him out of the spot he’s occupied, with his wife by his side, in the Park Road Shopping Center for nearly 41 years. “It’s kinda like leaving home,” said Cowles.
Edens, based in Columbia, South Carolina, has renovated storefronts, sidewalks, and landscaping,
“I tend to like these kind of shops better than the mall” said Cotswold Resident Kim White. Amid the fear of rising rents, a pet store, nail salon, and shoe store have already moved on to new locations. “It’s sad to see some of the stores have to go,” said White.
White has been shopping here for 21 years. Today she’s on the way to music lessons at Howren Music & Sound. “Change is good. Change is always good. I like some of the improvements. Some of them we’re going to have to get used to a little bit,” said Dennis Howren.
Howren’s family business opened 25 years ago. “We’re curious as to what’s going to happen,” he said.
The Park Road Shopping Center was the first shopping center of it’s kind in Charlotte when it opened at the corner of Park and Woodlawn. It replaced the Dairy Farm where Billy Graham grew up in 1956.
Phil Cowles remembers attending the opening as a young boy. He grew up to become a business owner here. A familiar face who will be missing from this neighborhood on February first.
“It’s a combination of melancholy and excitement… bittersweet is the best term. Yeah that’s it,” said Cowles.
Edens says a gelato store, seafood restaurant, and makeup bar are set to open in the coming months. Dilworth hot spot Cantina 1511 is planning to relocate to the shopping center later this summer.
