Atherton Market at Atherton Mill Brings Local Flavor to Uptown Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Charlotte residents will soon have a new venue for fresh local food, produce and other goods with the opening of Atherton Market on Saturday, May 15, 2010.  Located in the former Charlotte Trolley Barn adjacent to the corner of South Boulevard and Tremont Avenue in the Historic South End (2104 South Blvd.), Atherton Market has been developed to showcase the best of local products and to become a gathering place for Charlotte's diverse Uptown communities and surrounding neighborhoods.

The market will feature a wide array of local and regionally sourced items such as fresh meat, produce, artisan baked breads, prepared foods, fresh pasta, flowers, spices, condiments, beverages and handmade goods.  In addition, market customers will also be able to enjoy such unique offerings as green living educational sessions, arts and entertainment along with cooking demonstrations from local chefs.

As a natural extension of Charlotte's design district, Atherton Market offers abundant parking and is also accessible by Charlotte's light rail system, the LYNX Blue Line, and the Charlotte Trolley. From the East Boulevard stop, it is one block south to Tremont Avenue or ride the Charlotte Trolley to the stop at Atherton Mill. Market shoppers can take advantage of the increasing number of shops, restaurants and other amenities at Atherton Mill and the surrounding South End historic district.  

The concept for Atherton Market evolved from an exploratory partnership between Edens & Avant, owner and operator of the Atherton Mill complex, and Lynn S. Caldwell, manager of Charlotte's popular Tailgate Farmers Market. Atherton Market is only one piece of the exciting retail and restaurant mix planned for Atherton Mill, promising to make the unique redevelopment a weekly destination for both local residents and tourists alike.

"Historic South End has experienced remarkable residential growth and is becoming a vibrant urban neighborhood," said Darlene Heater, VP of Neighborhood Development for Charlotte Center City Partners. "We have heard from many of our new South End'ers of their desire for a fresh foods produce market within walking distance of their homes.  We are excited about this new neighborhood amenity for residents and join the Historic South End in welcoming Atherton Market to the neighborhood." 

Initially open on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Atherton Market will soon add additional market days as well as a growing calendar of special events and programming - including a family-friendly grand opening celebration on Saturday, June 12.

For more information about Atherton Market, visit www.facebook.com/athertonmillandmarket or if you have an interest in becoming a vendor at Atherton Market, email Lynn Caldwell at athertonmarket@gmail.com.

About Edens & Avant: Edens & Avant develops, owns and operates neighborhood shopping centers in primary markets throughout the East Coast. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the Company has built a portfolio of more than 130 retail centers in 15 states. Edens & Avant has Regional Headquarters in Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami and Columbia, SC (Corporate Office). For additional information about the Company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edensandavant.com.

SOURCE Edens & Avant