Leluia Hall Proves Tonidandel-Brown’s Penchant for Preservation
As Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel, the co-founders of the renowned Tonidandel-Brown restaurant group, stood before the Charlotte City Council in September 2023, they found themselves in an unexpected role – preservationists. Their plan to relocate the historic Leeper & Wyatt building, Dilworth’s oldest surviving retail structure, to the site of their forthcoming restaurant, Leluia Hall, had faced pushback from some neighbors concerned about parking and traffic. Yet, for Brown and Tonidandel, this was not just a business venture – it was a labor of love, rooted in their deep commitment to honoring the architectural and cultural heritage of the communities they serve.
Leluia Hall, set to open in early 2025, marks the latest chapter in Tonidandel-Brown’s legacy as one of Charlotte’s most impactful restaurateur duos. But their journey to this point has been anything but conventional. With each new establishment they have opened – from the beloved Crepe Cellar in NoDa to the nationally recognized Supperland in Plaza Midwood – Brown and Tonidandel have championed the preservation of historic structures, breathing new life into these cherished spaces and weaving them into the fabric of the neighborhoods they call home.
Leluia Hall’s Historical Significance
The story of Leluia Hall begins with a 110-year-old Dilworth church, a structure that has borne witness to the evolution of this vibrant Charlotte neighborhood. It was here that the renowned restaurant Bonterra operated for over two decades before relocating in 2021. Now, Tonidandel-Brown have taken on the task of transforming this hallowed space into their latest culinary venture, Leluia Hall.
The name itself, a playful mash-up of “Hallelujah,” pays homage to the building’s roots as a place of worship. But the duo’s vision extends far beyond the mere repurposing of the structure. They are determined to preserve the building’s architectural integrity and cultural significance, ensuring that Leluia Hall becomes a celebration of the past while serving as a vibrant gathering place for the community.
Tonidandel-Brown’s Preservation Efforts
Brown and Tonidandel’s commitment to preservation is not a recent development; it has been woven into the fabric of their business from the very beginning. “We are interested in the neighborhoods and having a presence in the neighborhood that we’re going into,” Tonidandel explained. “I think that leads us into some of these old buildings. We really want to be part of the neighborhood. It makes a little more sense to go into some building that’s been here for 100 years rather than jumping into a new build where you don’t quite feel like you’re really part of the neighborhood.”
This philosophy has guided their decisions time and time again, leading them to transform historic structures into their renowned culinary destinations. From the Crepe Cellar in NoDa to the former church that now houses Supperland, each of Tonidandel-Brown’s establishments has become a living testament to their belief that preservation and progress can coexist harmoniously.
The Intersection of Leluia Hall and Preservation
With Leluia Hall, Tonidandel-Brown have taken their preservation efforts to new heights. Beyond simply repurposing the existing church building, they have taken on the daunting task of relocating the Leeper & Wyatt building, Dilworth’s oldest surviving retail structure, to the Leluia Hall site. This move, which faced initial resistance from some community members, was a testament to the couple’s unwavering commitment to honoring the architectural and cultural heritage of the neighborhood.
“Somehow it is 2023 and I find myself here as a restaurateur in front of city council fighting to save a 1903 building,” Brown said during the September 2023 City Council meeting. “That’s not where I expected to be.” Yet, for Brown and Tonidandel, this was not just a business decision – it was a labor of love, fueled by their deep-rooted connection to the Dilworth community and their desire to preserve its unique character.
Architectural Significance of Leluia Hall
The architectural significance of Leluia Hall cannot be overstated. The 110-year-old church building, with its soaring ceilings and intricate detailing, serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and design sensibilities of a bygone era. Tonidandel-Brown have worked tirelessly to honor this legacy, meticulously restoring the structure and imbuing it with a sense of timeless elegance.
“Yes, people are coming to eat, but they’re also coming to experience and spend their time and enjoy their time,” Brown said. “This being an old church, we just go to that. We just want this whole place to feel like a celebratory place and really fun.”
Tonidandel-Brown’s Preservation Philosophy
At the heart of Tonidandel-Brown’s approach to preservation lies a deep appreciation for the architectural and cultural heritage of the communities they serve. “We really want to be part of the neighborhood. It makes a little more sense to go into some building that’s been here for 100 years rather than jumping into a new build where you don’t quite feel like you’re really part of the neighborhood,” Tonidandel explained.
This philosophy has led them to forge strong partnerships with local preservation organizations, historic landmarks commissions, and city officials, collaborating to ensure that their restoration efforts not only honor the past but also pave the way for a vibrant future. Their commitment to adaptive reuse has become a hallmark of the Tonidandel-Brown brand, inspiring other restaurateurs and developers to follow suit.
Leluia Hall’s Role in the Community
Beyond its architectural significance, Leluia Hall is poised to play a crucial role in the Dilworth community. The duo envisions the space as a celebratory gathering place, a hub for cultural exchange, and a catalyst for educational initiatives. They plan to partner with local organizations to host events, workshops, and community programs that will engage residents and foster a deeper appreciation for the neighborhood’s rich history.
“There were definitely frustrations or concerns around how are we really trying to grow in Charlotte?” said Brown. “But also, I live in this neighborhood and I’ve got children. I know what it’s like not to want change. A lot of people don’t want change. You’re happy where you are. So I can understand why people can feel upset or worried. That’s the last thing we want to do is create change for the worse. We want it to be a beautiful place for people to enjoy.”
The Lasting Impact of Leluia Hall and Tonidandel-Brown
As Leluia Hall prepares to open its doors in 2025, the legacy of Tonidandel-Brown’s preservation efforts will continue to reverberate throughout the Charlotte community. Their unwavering commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future has not only transformed the physical landscape of the city but has also inspired a new generation of restaurateurs, developers, and community leaders to follow in their footsteps.
Through their work at Leluia Hall and their other acclaimed establishments, Tonidandel and Brown have proven that preservation and progress can coexist, creating spaces that are not just destinations for culinary delights but also hubs for cultural enrichment and community engagement. As they continue to navigate the complex landscape of urban development, their steadfast dedication to preserving Charlotte’s architectural and cultural heritage will undoubtedly cement their place as two of the city’s most impactful and visionary restaurateurs.