CHARLOTTE (AP) – In the ever growing marketplace of the outdoor industry there is one outdoor store in Charlotte which has a new proposal generating a lot of debate at City Hall.
Jesse Brown’s located in the Sharon Corners Shopping Center of the SouthPark Shopping District has prepared a proposal for the Zoning Committee of the City of Charlotte. In that proposal, Jesse Brown’s will become the most authentic outdoor store in the Charlotte region due to a redesign of their location.
What is the redesign? Inspired by the emergence of retractable roofs, which are employed by many stadiums across the United States, Jesse Brown’s hopes that the ability to open the roof on a beautiful day will soon allow fresh air, sunny rays, and soft breezes into their location this spring. This will make it literally an outdoor store.
“It gives people an opportunity to shop outdoors for their outdoor needs,” according to store owner, Bill Bartee. “What better way to test sun-protection on outdoor clothing than being directly in the sun on a sunny day?”
“After 30 years in the SouthPark area of Charlotte and the ever dynamic environment of specialty retail, including the impact of online shopping, we thought it was time for a big change,” Bartee continued.
Imagine shopping for a Moondance Adventure, a Scouting camp outing, or a fly fishing trip locally or around the world, with the ability to test it in the Carolina weather?
Sports stadiums had a huge change in 1965 with the opening of the first domed stadium, the Astrodome, in Houston. It was declared the “Eighth Wonder of the World” when it was constructed.
It wasn’t until more recent stadium designs included an outdoor component with a retractable roof, such as the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX which opened in 2009, that Jesse Brown’s began paying attention.
Then in 2016, the Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium in Flushing Meadow, NY put a lightweight retractable roof over the stadium due to the constant disruptions caused by inclement weather.
When the Ashe roof was installed, Jesse Brown’s really began paying attention, and Bartee knew that they had someone with an Industrial Design degree on their team with Christopher Lawing. Lawing, the author of “Charlotte: The Signs Of The Times” quickly thought it was a worthwhile idea.
The redesign will also allow better flexibility for testing out new fly-fishing rods when the roof is open. Fly fishing guide, Dave Bergman says, “Clientele interest has been trending towards longer rods and the new roof will allow high sticking in the store without the fear of clipping the tip on a ceiling fan.” Bergman is also excited about being able to do fly casting lessons inside the store.
Initial plans are being drawn up and there seems to be support from the City of Charlotte. One negative has been the comparative price of the project. The Arthur Ashe Stadium cost $150 million dollars when it went on in 2016. The Jesse Brown’s project would carry a similar price tag.
Bartee is undeterred. “The outdoors is for everyone. Why can’t we have it at Charlotte’s original outdoor store and fly shop?”
(Happy April Fools’ Day!)
###
*****SHOP INDOORS OR OUTDOORS at JESSEBROWNS.COM & Be Comfortable Outside*****
USE CODE HIKE25 TO SAVE $25 on your $100 Purchase
Excludes Trips & Services
Boots for the Hike: Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Jacket to Stay Dry: Men’s & Women’s Minimalist Gore-Tex Jacket
Fly Rod to Fish Trout Streams: Sage Maverick 586-4 Fly Rod
Waders: Redington Escape Waders
Tent for Family Camping: The North Face Stormbreak 3-Person Tent
Activity Clothing: Men’s & Women’s Free Fly in Charlotte