News Summary
Hair Klaudt, a beloved salon in Plaza Midwood, is set to close in August 2025 as part of Mecklenburg County’s greenway expansion project. The greenway aims to enhance local recreation by connecting Central Avenue to Monroe Road. Hair Klaudt, known for its quirky style and creative hair products, faces challenges in finding a new location in the community as rental costs rise. The co-owners continue to receive community support while navigating this transition.
Longstanding Plaza Midwood Salon Hair Klaudt to Close for Briar Creek Greenway Expansion
A Greenway Transformation
In a bittersweet turn of events for the Plaza Midwood community, Mecklenburg County is set to make significant strides towards improving local recreation with the construction of a greenway along Briar Creek. This ambitious project will connect Central Avenue to Monroe Road and gracefully dip under East Independence Boulevard, enhancing the area’s outdoor spaces for residents and visitors alike. However, this community enhancement comes at a cost—specifically for Hair Klaudt, a charming salon that has been a local fixture for 30 years.
The End of an Era for Hair Klaudt
Hair Klaudt, an endearingly quirky salon located along Morningside Drive, is preparing to close its doors for good as part of Mecklenburg County’s greenway development. Known for its whimsical decorations—especially popular during Halloween—and the unique hair dye product cleverly branded as “Zombie Snott,” this beloved salon has become synonymous with creative hair expressions and community spirit.
Set to shut down in August 2025, the salon’s co-owner is actively searching for a new location. This isn’t the first time Hair Klaudt has had to adjust to changing circumstances. The business faced a similar challenge five years ago when its original building was sold, forcing them to pursue a new home. Now, with deadlines looming, finding an affordable and accessible location in the Plaza Midwood area presents an uphill battle due to escalating rents.
What Lies Ahead: The Greenway Project
Mecklenburg County’s greenway project, estimated to cost $11.3 million, is broken down into three distinct phases. Construction on Phase I, which extends from Monroe Road to Bay Street, is anticipated to kick off in the coming months—April or May of this year. Phase II, connecting Commonwealth to Central, is set to commence later in the year, while Phase III, which includes Hair Klaudt’s building, is projected to start in approximately a year.
As the construction moves forward, Mecklenburg County plans to demolish the building where Hair Klaudt currently operates once the lease expires in August 2025. The demolition is aimed at better assessing the site for the greenway’s final design, which is meant to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Community Support and the Fight for Small Business
The Plaza Midwood community has rallied around Hair Klaudt, with many residents expressing their dissatisfaction over the loss of this unique establishment. The co-owners have emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses, especially in a neighborhood increasingly dominated by corporate establishments. There’s a palpable sense of nostalgia for a salon that has endured as a beacon of creativity and individuality for nearly half a century.
In an effort to ensure Hair Klaudt continues to thrive, Karl Klaudt has encouraged community members to come forward with suggestions for potential new spaces suitable for a “goofy salon.” As the team prepares for their impending move, they remain optimistic about finding a charming new home that resonates with the community’s spirit.
A Look to the Future
Mecklenburg County has assured that the existing lease with Hair Klaudt will be honored until its expiration date, providing the salon with some buffer time to navigate this significant change. However, with rising rental costs and a competitive real estate market, the pressure to find a new affordable location is mounting.
As the community braces for the transformation brought by the greenway expansion, questions linger about the future of small businesses in Plaza Midwood. Will this greenway, intended to enhance the quality of life for residents, preserve the character and charm that has made this area truly special? Only time will tell, as the echo of Hair Klaudt’s scissors will soon be replaced by the sounds of construction machinery.
Ultimately, this case highlights the constant tension between urban development and preserving local heritage. As Plaza Midwood evolves, the invaluable role of local businesses like Hair Klaudt cannot be underestimated. The community’s support and commitment to retaining its unique identity will be critical in shaping its trajectory in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- QC News: Plaza Midwood Business Relocation
- Wikipedia: Greenway
- WSOC TV: Future Greenway Construction
- Google Search: Greenway construction Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte Five Article
- Google Scholar: Charlotte North Carolina
- Apartment Therapy: Neighborhood Guide to Charlotte
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte North Carolina
Author: HERE Charlotte
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