by TM Petaccia

Rendering of the The Alley design upgrades. Southwick Architecture + Interiors.

One of the oldest structures in Uptown Charlotte, Latta Arcade, is being rebranded as “The Alley” by its new owners, Northpond Partners. Northpond plans to emphasize food and beverage tenants in what the company refers to as “elevated street food.”

Designed in 1914 by noted Charlotte architect William H. Peeps, the art deco building was developed by Edward Dilworth Latta as a set of offices for his Charlotte Consolidated Construction Company (aka, “The Four C’s”) as well as offering a small shopping arcade. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, with its interior designated as a local historic landmark by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission. Northpond purchased the property in March 2020.

“Latta Arcade is a place of history and appreciation in Charlotte and we look forward to building upon that storied reputation,” says Northpond founder Sam Ankin. “We’re restoring the historic building as a destination for commerce and community.”

Part of the rebrand is to add artisanal food tenants who coincide with Northpond’s new focus. Three local businesses have already been announced:

Felix Empanadas, which already has one store in The Alley, has begun construction on a second concept, Carnales, which will serve tortas, quesadillas, alambres, and breakfast tacos. It is expected to open late spring or summer.

Samantha Ward will open a second Wentworth & Fenn location by the end of the year at The Alley. TM Petaccia/UP.

Popular Camp North End pâtisserie Wentworth & Fenn is planning to open the company’s second location by the end of the year. “We are really excited to have another location to serve the Charlotte Community,” says Wentworth & Fenn owner and 2022 UPPY Baker of the Year Samantha Ward. “We hope to bring more savory pastries, coffee, and custom orders to the Uptown area.”

The Dumpling Lady will open a new concept at The Alley by the end of the year. The existing location in Optimist Hall sells a variety of traditional dumplings as well as select Sichuan dishes. Owner Qian Zhang is also planning a South End location this summer. Her popular food truck ceased operations in February.

Northpond is currently negotiating with existing tenants. At this point, it’s not clear how many will stay. Salad, wrap, and sandwich shop Crisp has already closed.

Southwick Architecture + Interiors is overseeing the design modifications. The Plaid Penguin developed the new branding for The Alley and will be responsible for environmental graphic design and communications.

Northpond expects renovations of the common spaces at The Alley to be completed by the end of the year.