Commercial Development

As in many areas of Charlotte, the commercial core of Plaza Midwood grew along the streetcar line.  The city's "Miracle Mile" was the primary shopping area outside of the downtown area, and stood as such until the development of shopping malls in the 1950s.  By this point, most Charlotteans relied upon their automobiles to get around town.

Despite the transition from streetcar to bus service in 1938, Plaza Midwood continued to embrace its origins as a streetcar suburb.  The neighborhood association logo from the 1980s incorporates the silhouette of a streetcar.