City Council approved a public-private partnership to restore and redevelop the historic Excelsior Club on Beatties Ford Road, awarding $1,500,000 in city funds as part of a broader financing package discussed at the Oct. 27 meeting.

Community speakers including Erica McNair, Logan Creech, Cedric Matthews and others described the Excelsior Club as a long-standing cultural anchor for the Washington Heights/West End historic neighborhoods. Developers and project partners prompted support by outlining plans to rebuild the structure and program it as a community and cultural venue. Crossland Southeast (developer partner) and private developer representatives said they would lead redevelopment and programming.

Council discussion referenced broader corridor investments: planned streetcar design funding, neighborhood safety initiatives, transit and property investments, and prior city-led investments near the site. Councilmembers said the project fits the city's corridors-of-opportunity work.

Councilmember Ed Driggs noted project cost figures discussed in committee: a total development cost of about $8,300,000 and roughly $3,000,000 in anticipated public contributions (city and county), and said private return on capital appeared modest. County participation was confirmed by councilmembers during debate. The motion on the floor to approve the public-private partnership and the city's funding allocation was moved and seconded and passed by the council.

Multiple councilmembers praised the development team and asked the project to preserve the site's historic facade and community access. The county was identified as a partner; staff and developers will finalize terms and next steps.