A lot of the business moved to Independence because the traffic count was much higher. Plaza-Midwood also was affected in the 1970s and 1980s by a trend that saw retailers move to malls and strip shopping centers. The commercial pioneers actually started coming to Thomas Street in the early 1980s, but growth didn't begin in earnest until the early 1990s, says Thomas Blue, president of the Plaza-Midwood Neighborhood Association. Kevin Hall, an analyst with the Karnes Research Co. in Charlotte, says Plaza-Midwood is in step with a national trend. People keep moving back and forth to get away from growth.
Small businesses can benefit from the lower lease rates to be found in such emerging areas.
Sladjana Novakovic, owner of Nova's Bakery on Central Avenue, moved her business from South End to Plaza-Midwood two years ago to save money and increase her square footage. We get a lot of walking traffic. Mix of shops opening Specialty retail shops and restaurants such as Thomas Street Tavern, Phat Burrito and John's Country Kitchen are among the draws for the community, which once boasted a trolley line and the city's premier country club. Construction and renovation on the classic 1950s diner has taken twice as long and cost almost twice as much as the partners expected. He declines to specify the cost involved in the project.