SouthPark: from farmland to a business district
SouthPark is an edge city centered on the intersection of Fairview Road and Sharon Road, about six miles south of Uptown. Its name comes from SouthPark Mall, which opened on February 12, 1970 and, at nearly 1.8 million square feet, is the largest mall in Charlotte and the Carolinas. The area was once part of a 3,000-acre farm owned by former North Carolina Governor Cameron Morrison, whose estate name, Morrocroft, survives as a neighborhood.
SouthPark is also a residential area and one of the larger business districts in Charlotte. The Village at SouthPark opened in 2007 with apartments above boutique retail, one of the first live, work, play projects by Simon Property Group in the country.
Myers Park: a historic garden suburb
Myers Park is a neighborhood and historic district bounded by Queens Road to the north, Providence Road to the east, Sharon Road to the south and Park Road to the west. Its boundaries originally matched the 1,220-acre John Spring Myers farm. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway runs along its western edge, beside Freedom Park.
The Myers Park Historic District has 670 contributing buildings, was developed after 1911 and includes examples of Bungalow and American Craftsman, Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. The neighborhood's central location and wide, tree-lined streets make it a popular choice for event routes, including charity runs and the Charlotte Marathon. The 2.85-mile Booty Loop on Queens Road is the original home of the 24 Hours of Booty cycling fundraiser.
What suits events here
Myers Park's large yards, porches and gardens suit small weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners and garden parties on private property. SouthPark's offices, hotels and restaurants suit corporate meetings and dinners. Event routes through Myers Park are a different matter. A run, walk or parade on public streets needs CDOT's parades, runs and walks permit, an application at least 30 days ahead and $1 million in general liability insurance.
A tent over 800 square feet on a Myers Park lawn needs a fire permit and, for 50 or more guests, a detailed site plan. Send guests clear parking and drop-off directions before the day.
Questions about hosting here
What is SouthPark known for?
SouthPark Mall, which opened in 1970 and is the largest mall in Charlotte and the Carolinas, and a business district about six miles south of Uptown.
Is Myers Park a historic district?
Yes. The Myers Park Historic District has 670 contributing buildings and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Can I hold a run or walk event in Myers Park?
Route events on public streets need CDOT's permit for parades, runs and walks, with an application at least 30 days ahead.
Do I need a permit for a garden party?
A party on private property does not need a CDOT permit. A tent over 800 square feet needs a Charlotte Fire Department permit.
What is the Booty Loop?
A 2.85-mile route on Queens Road and nearby streets used for walking, running and cycling, and the original home of the 24 Hours of Booty fundraiser.
More neighborhoods and next steps
Read the permits guide and the tents guide before you commit to a site, then browse the planner directory.