A community-driven project is coming to revitalize Charlotte, NC.
According to a press release provided to AFROTECH™, The Whitaker Group — the creative company behind brands such as A Ma Maniére, Social Status, APB, and Prosper — has revealed its plans for The Collective on Tuckaseegee, a 13,000-square-foot compound and retail campus with 10 retail units located in Charlotte.
The Collective aims to stimulate economic development in many ways. The venture will feature local entrepreneurs as well as The Whitaker Group’s existing brands, partners, and experiences, including APB Skatepark, the first privately held, Black-owned, publicly accessible, non-DIY skatepark in the country. This skatepark was developed in collaboration with The Boardr, which encompasses three firms with expertise in skateboarding facility design and construction, event production and consulting, and athlete management, its website mentions.
Additionally, The Whitaker Group plans to launch the in-house apparel brand APB Charlotte, as well as APB You, APB’s social impact platform that will feature a program for the skating community, including after-school lessons, trick tutorials, and events welcoming youth, women, and families.
“Black culture has always been a driving force in shaping global trends,” The Whitaker Group Founder James Whitner said in a press release. “This complex is a crucial step in telling the story of how our culture moves fashion, business, and lifestyle at large. We are excited to be able to provide a space for local businesses and communities to gather and thrive. Through this launch we are also expanding our reach to the skateboarding community to provide a safe space for the local youth to express themselves and also discover the virtues of the sport and its amazing culture.”
The skate park will open on June 21, 2024, for Go Skate Day and will be the first portion of the venture to open to the public. A week of programming at the skate park will follow, concluding with its inaugural APB Music live event and block party on June 28 and June 29.
The Collective on Tuckaseegee plans to officially open in late summer 2024.
