PHOTOS: What’s next for historic Van Landingham Estate after restoration

The historic VanLandingham Estate is almost ready for its next chapter.

The Plaza Midwood property — built in 1913 by the VanLandingham family — will have new life as an event venue after a major restoration project is completed.

Charlotte-based Ascent Real Estate Capital has teamed up with Stono River Partners to restore that property at 2010 The Plaza. 

“We saw the property as an irreplaceable community asset,” says Aaron Ligon, principal and co-founder of Ascent.

The partners purchased about 3 acres of the property for $1.5 million in March 2019. They have invested in excess of $1 million to date into the 8,000-square-foot estate house and grounds. A surrounding parcel was retained by the seller.

VanLandingham’s historic home, location and high demand for event venues made it attractive to Ascent; Ligon’s own wedding reception was held at the historic home.

“We felt like events was a really good use for the property. There is a very high demand for high-quality events space.”

Best Impressions Caterers has been tapped to run that venue. 

“The VanLandingham Estate is a historical property that has been a part of the Charlotte landscape for many years. We really valued the character and charm of the home and thought that it would appeal to a large audience of guests,” says Justin King, president of Best Impressions.

He sees it as an ideal venue for wedding receptions, corporate functions and nonprofits for capital campaigns. 

Construction is ongoing on a 6,000-square-foot patio The ability to accommodate tenting for events up to 250 guests is planned. The venue will also offer a ceremony site and extravagant bridal suite. 

The indoor/outdoor flexibility of the venue will make it very desirable, King adds.

Best Impressions operates Byron’s South End and has partnerships at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, The Terrace at Cedar Hill, The Barrel Room at Triple C and The Grand Ball Room at the Mint Museum Uptown.

“Each property has unique characteristics that offer our clients a series of unique settings, configurations and outdoor spaces,” King says. “It is our belief that, after speaking with a potential customer and learning about their goals for their event, we will have a solution in our portfolio.”

Ascent obtained the blessing of descendants of the VanLandingham family before beginning the project. 

The partners also worked with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission and Charlotte Historic District Commission as well as county officials on planned updates to the property, such as bringing the infrastructure and mechanical systems up to current standards and refreshing the landscaping — all while keeping the property’s historic charm.

Ligon encourages a more cohesive process for historic redevelopment.

“If we want more historic preservation, we should make it easier, not harder. The result would be more historic preservation in a city that is known for erasing our history and character in these buildings,” he says.

Roby Commercial is the general contractor; Cluck is the architect.

Plans call to develop two more buildings on the property.

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/whats-next-historic-van-landingham-estate-after-restoration/VRB3SMYBVRCI7GN7P5VC5T4QTQ/