[swampfox43]

I was able to dig up some more concept drawings of Carowinds that I thought I'd share with those interested.

Does anyone remember the planned hotel for the monorail? Back in 1974, the area where Carolina Pottery is now was originally planned to be a huge office, hotel complex called "The Carolina Center". The monorail was to stop at one of the hotels and take guests into the park. Too bad this never materialized.

I scanned the aerial drawing showing the Carolina Center, along with several other related drawings. I also scanned the original concept map showing the theme park which was released in 1971.

<a href='http://members.aol.com/earlywinds/carolina_center1x.jpg' target='_blank'>The Carolina Center</a> - (you can trace the monorail track to the planned hotel)
<a href='http://members.aol.com/earlywinds/carolina_center4x.jpg' target='_blank'>Monorail Hotel</a>
<a href='http://members.aol.com/earlywinds/carowinds_tower1x.jpg' target='_blank'>Skytower drawing</a>
<a href='http://members.aol.com/earlywinds/carowinds_map1x.jpg' target='_blank'>1971 Carowinds map</a> - (note the tram at the guest drop off)

[RollerBee]

Thanks Swampfox. The map images isn;t working.

[Dukeis#1]

Thanks for posting more great renderings Swampfox!

Those pictures are kind of depressing...It makes you think about what could have been. Carowinds: The Carolinas version of Disneyland!

It's ironic that E.P.H. sold out after only the second operating season. It looks like he had some big plans for Carowinds.

The final map isn't working for me either.

[swampfox43]

^^ I fixed the link in question. I hate AOL's ftp server. Sometimes it takes for ever to connect.

[Tinkerdog]

Let me show you my age.......... I remember the <span style='color:red'>TRAMS</span> dropping you off at the Main Entrance and returning to the car drop off points............

They were there during 1974, but I don't remember any after that.

[wdwspider]

Amazing how different the park could have turned out today.

With the Borg Invasion, the Skytower and Log Flume seem to be the only remaining ties to the past... barely.

[Trev32]

^don't forget Goldrusher, and the kaliedescope(sp?).



Anyway, since my connection is running like cheap dial up, i can't veiw the pics .

[wdwspider]

^don't forget Goldrusher, and the kaliedescope(sp?).

Oh Yeah!

I totally forgot about those. Although I feel that Goldrushers theming needs a major overhaul... it seems out of place nowadays.

[Dukeis#1]

If you look in the Skytower picture, you can also see a steam locomotive that has early-1800s styling. The park ended up with more modern looking steam engines that were styled from the late 19th century instead.

[swampfox43]

If you look in the Skytower picture, you can also see a steam locomotive that has early-1800s styling. The park ended up with more modern looking steam engines that were styled from the late 19th century instead.

Wow, I never noticed that, LOL. It's amazing what you find out when others look at the same picture. Yes, that drawing certainly depicts a much older looking train.

I am looking at an original 20 page news release that I was able to obtain some time ago and it has a nice 2 page write up on Melodia. It was built in 1897 and ran the cane fields in Louisiana until 1947.

[Dukeis#1]

2 page write up on Melodia.

I know some railfans that would certainly like to read that

[carowindsfreak13]

I like the pics. Nice find.

[MarkD]

Let me show you my age.......... I remember the <span style='color:red'>TRAMS</span> dropping you off at the Main Entrance and returning to the car drop off points............

They were there during 1974, but I don't remember any after that.

You are not the only one that remembers them.

Glad to see the art work. Thanks

[swampfox43]

Some of you older folks (Tinkerdog, Foreseer) may also remember the Sports Complex and Marine Land proposals for Carowinds too. The concept drawings for those had it placed in an area that is still undeveloped to this day. The big grassy field north of Carolina Pottery on the right side of the entrance road. Makes you wonder if that area will ever be developed.

Just think what that area would look like if all these proposals came to fruition. One can only imagine.....

[RollerBee]

That space is for sale, they have been trying to sell it for two years.