Latta Arcade, Charlotte

The Latta Arcade is one of the most distinctive historic buildings in Uptown Charlotte and an early example of the city’s commercial development in the early 20th century. Built in 1914 and designed by architect William H. Peeps, the structure was commissioned by prominent developer Edward Dilworth Latta, whose projects helped transform Charlotte into a growing business center.

The building takes the form of an indoor shopping arcade, a popular architectural concept of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its design features a two-story atrium lined with small storefronts and offices, illuminated by a large glass skylight overhead. Originally, the skylight allowed natural light into the building for cotton brokers who graded cotton inside the arcade.

When it opened in 1915, Latta Arcade included six retail shops facing South Tryon Street and sixteen smaller specialty stores inside the arcade, creating a lively commercial corridor that stretched through the city block. The development proved so successful that nearby Brevard Court was later built in a similar style, extending the pedestrian passageway toward Church Street.

Today, Latta Arcade remains a rare survivor of Charlotte’s early commercial architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic structure now houses restaurants, cafés, and small businesses, making it a popular lunch spot for Uptown workers and visitors. With its skylit interior and preserved historic character, the arcade offers a glimpse into the city’s past while continuing to serve as a vibrant gathering place in modern Charlotte.