Downtown Charlotte was eerily quiet this morning after last night’s riot prompted Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Duke Energy and others to urge their staffs to stay home.
The Epicentre entertainment and dining site sustained the most apparent damage with windows broken at the CVS, Fleming’s Prime Steak House and Enzo Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar. The most apparent damage was at the Epicentre Sundries shop (pictured) on East Trade Street. Workers were also replacing windows at NASCAR Plaza and Hyatt House hotel.
The Caribou Coffee shop at Founders Hall, usually packed with bankers seeking a mid-morning caffeine spike, was open but lacked any customers at 10:30 a.m. Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s at Overstreet Mall were similarly empty.
While the white-collar work was suspended, construction continued at the many downtown projects including the 300 South Tryon office tower. Cranes and contractors were at work on McKibbon Hotel Group’s 22-story hotel project above the Epicentre, signaling hope that the city will see brighter days.
