[musicguy01]

I am starting a grass roots movement to restore Heritage USA back to a Christian facility. I am not sure how this will be accomplished, but God has placed it in my spirit to begin this project.
If anyone is interested in being involved, please e-mail me.
musicguy01@netzero.net

[Rick4404]

There is another person who has posted their desire to resurrect Heritage USA. There have been several threads concerning Heritage USA and PTL on this forum which have been ongoing for over a year. The general consensus of those who have posted to those threads is, yes, Heritage USA needs to be raised up from the ashes and reopened as a Christian ministry. The person who posted their comments has an e-mail address of thirdayrevival@aol.com. Maybe the two of you should share your visions that God has placed before you with each other.

I am an assistant manager in a retail store, and am of limited financial means. I therefore could not commit anything monetarily towards your vision. However, I will commit this to prayer and encourage others to pray about the restoration of Heritage USA as well. It truly is God's property.

Since the Regent Park housing developments have expanded; it would seem that a reborn Heritage USA wouldn't have the same footprint as the original Heritage USA had. The businesses that have leases in the former PTL/Heritage USA buildings would have to be honored. Those who own homes and condominiums on the property will have to be considered.

There is no doubt that a Christian ministry needs to become actively involved in the project of resurrecting Heritage USA. I wish you all the best and God's blessings upon your vision and endeavors.

[unregistered]

I toured the old christian retreat today. To my supprise there are acually camper that still stay there. All of the building were still standing but the whole place is overgrown. It was very sad to see the place in it current condition. All of the acess to the waterpark and the main shopping strip were roped off. I had a lot of good memories their an would love to see it reoped. if anyone knows if their are ANY plans to reopen the waterpark or the whole facility please reply and let me know

[zap64]

MusicGuy,
You should know you have a couple of things working against you.
1. none of the buildings have been maintained for 15 years. Most including the 15 story building would need to be razed and rebuilt. This option is obviously much more costly than starting from scratch.
2. Infrastructure- again, all of the utilities have been either ignored or poorly managed for over a decade. After a thorough (expensive) inspection, you will probably discover an exhorbitant amount of repair needed. One look at the parking lots tells that story.
3. Homeowners- you will have your hands full convincing them that it is for their own good that thousands of additional cars will be cruising their sleepy neighborhood streets.
4. Stigma- although Heritage USA in my opinion is kingdom property, the public's memory of being duped will make it extremely difficult to acquire the millions needed to make it presentable.

Personally, I would just like to see the thing levelled. I don't know why but it feels like an insult to God to have that rotting there like the unburied dead.

I do have 2 suggestions.
1. Check with Movie studios to see if you can raise any money by letting them raze the 15 story building (or any building for that matter) It is in such a remote location, it is relativly safe. This way, you save the demo. expense and make a little cash. That takes care of the biggest eyesore.

2. Rather than trying to resurrect a Heritage USA, keep the campgrounds and create a Christian retreat center from the ashes. The undertaking although still expensive, would be a lot more modest. Who knows, maybe the studio building out back can be restored. The arena is a plus. Maybe even salvage the go cart/water park. By creating a retreat center, there are probably association dollars to be had if a plan is put together.

A personal suggestion to overcome the stigma if you do undertake this project, open the books. Post them on the web for everyone to see if you have to. I would make sure you are so far above reproach, it's not even funny.

Good luck.

[Rick4404]

You raised some very valid points, Zap. The structural soundness of the buildings and the infrastructure certainly would have to be addressed before anyone can even begin the process of reopening Heritage USA. Perhaps what you suggest might have to be done, raze the buildings and start from scratch.

I see it this way. If God wants Heritage USA reopened, somehow it will get done. You are absolutely correct that the individual, group or organization which may eventually take on the project will have to be very much above reproach every step of the way.

I hope and pray it can be done. If it is God's will it shall be done.

[mouseman]

I am so amazed--it is so ironic that the last post to this thread was earlier today...and here I sit listening to a recording of "Musical Heritage USA." I was there when they made that recording!

I was out on the property last Sunday driving around, remembering, and taking a few snapshots for a friend that I had met there one summer...a long time ago.

I didn't drive all around (some areas are blocked off anyway. About a year or so ago I was driving around and a security guard shooed me off. I didn't want to cause any trouble this time, so I just took a few shots and left.) Unfortunately, they didn't turn out, or I would offer to share them.

As for me, I can't say whether it would be better to raze it or re-build it. True, the 15-story tower needs major help; that is, it was never finished, but the crane was torn down several years ago. I agree that a movie-prodcution-sponsored demo would be a terrific idea.

Indeed, Main Street was open, and the hotel, for a few years, but eventually it all closed. I know my denomination even used parts of the complex for district-level meetings a few times.

Yes, there are campers there, but I believe they are related to the NarroWay Productions organization, which still puts on shows in the amphitheater (www.narroway.net). Although I haven't been, I believe they are operating even today.

And yes, there are folks living in some of the old time-share facilities. I don't know if they are permanent residences or not.

Regent Park has taken over a considerable amount of land, but they added a golf course. Could be a good thing!

The skating rink is gone. That's a big deal for me! So is the moose.

Yes I have memories from there. I did a lot of growing (up)
there, and learning about life and God. I know how the Lord used the facility positively in my life. Blow it away? I hope not. A retreat center? Oh yes, very nice idea.

Where's the money to come from? Jehovah Jireh, of course. Local public sentiment? Will be tough. Win over the _Charlotte Disturber_ ...er...uh...I mean... _Observer_ and things could be easier.

I hope it can be brought back. In my heart I want it to be. I agree that it is an embarrasment to Christians as it is. But it really is up to God. If you have the burden, there's a reason for it. I remember an old Carman song: "Your desire is the confirmation."

Godspeed!

[wkwoodard]

I just finished visiting the property today. It is very sad to see it like it is. I live in the Fort Mill, SC area and would like to see something revive this beautiful area. I saw a post from 1998 that said Opryland USA was interested in the property but never heard any thing else about it.

[Rick4404]

Originally posted by wkwoodard
I just finished visiting the property today. It is very sad to see it like it is. I live in the Fort Mill, SC area and would like to see something revive this beautiful area. I saw a post from 1998 that said Opryland USA was interested in the property but never heard any thing else about it.

I also came across the same information aboout Opryland USA's interest in the property while doing a search of Heritage USA on one of the Internet search engines.

I understand that the Radisson Hotels chain tried and failed in converting Heritage USA into a secular resort after PTL left. A company called the Carolina Splash Water Park also tried to run the water park and they failed as well.

With the single exception of Laura Ashley, which is using the pyramid building (where Jim and Tammy's executive offices were located) for office space; every secular business that has attempted to make a go of it on the former Heritage USA property has failed.

I think it has clearly been established that a Christian ministry will likely be the only group that would have any success at restoring Heritage USA. It is truly God's property. I think that's why the Narrow Way productions have been able to succeed. They are currently the only ministry that's currently being conducted on what is now the Regent Park property.

[zap64]

Clement's first Epistle when I came across his commentary on double-mindedness.

9:49-51
For Lot's wife, who went forth with him, being of a different mind from himself and not continuing in agreement with him [as to the command which had been given them], was made an example of, so as to be a pillar of salt unto this day.50 This was done that all might know that those who are of a double mind, and who distrust the power of God, bring down judgment on themselves51 and become a sign to all succeeding generations.

http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ANF-01/...htm#P171_20841

Maybe we should leave Heritage USA as it is as a reminder of the dangers of double-mindedness.

[flavyous]

Musicuy01, God giving geese the desire to fly south is Proof that the destination exists. If you believe God gave you this, then GO, don't look back and ask mans opinion. "What God says, He is able to perform" God knows what kind of shape the place is in. Don't look to men for approval; Just keep your eye on the prize. Getting Egypt to set the children of Isreal free, was an impossible task but remember God specializes in the impossible. He used Moses, a timid, stuttering murderer. (unqualified ?) God has never used anyone qualified yet. If we are able or qualified ourselves, where would be the Glory? He used the least likely to Champion his people against a giant who was defiling the army of God. Note that David went out without armor, without a shield, without a spear (all these were offered to him) He didn't even have a weapon to kill the giant after he went down. Some would say he hadn't planed this well, that this wasn't thought out but David was following what he believed God told him to do, and God took care of the details. Leave the details in Gods hands, but when God says move, you move. Remember, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper"

by the way, David used the enemy's own weapon to defeat him.
And to God be the Glory!

[photographerrn]

I am very intersted in the restoration of Heritage USA. I live nearby in Lake Wylie and drove by the site the other day. It was very disheartening how it has just been "let go". My husband and I went to the water park there when we first started dating and we had so much fun along with all of the other families that were there at the time. I think they closed the park the following summer. I think that we need to bring a part of history back and provide a place for people and children to go other than Carowinds. Anything I can do to help, please let me know.

[photographerrn]

I started e-mailing different people trying to find out what will be done with the property, who owns it, etc. This is one of the responses that I got back:

We appreciate your interest in the former Heritage USA property. During its prime the property was a tremendous economic benefit to York County and the entire greater Charlotte Region. However, it is still managed by a private organization -- Regent Carolina Corporation in Ft. Mill. Their number is 803-547-3500. We would love to see the property vibrant again.
Please keep us informed.

Bennish Brown
Rock Hill/York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
803-329-5200

[photographerrn]

Thank you for your email. Our firm has had interest in the past in
working with the owner in listing the land formerly occupied by Heritage
USA. At this point, it is our understanding that the current owners are
marketing the property themselves. Your interest in your community is of
course admirable and we share your same commitment to the communities in
which we do business.

Thank you for your comments and the sentiment will certainly be
considered should we become more involved in the area in the future.

Danelle W. Lane, Director of Marketing
Lincoln Harris
100 N. Tryon Street
Suite 2600
Charlotte, NC 28202
704.714.7611 phone
704.716.8600 fax
dlane@lincolnharris.com

[photographerrn]

I have been contacting many businesses and even wrote a letter to the Editor of the Charlotte Observer to get people interested in the reopening of HERITAGE USA in Fort Mill, SC. Here is my newspaper article in the Charlotte Observer and other responses that I have gotten:

(1)Reviving Heritage USA would bolster economy

Heritage USA in Fort Mill used to be a grand resort, where families could vacation or just go for a day trip. Why can't it be restored and reopened?

We need a source of entertainment other than Carowinds or NASCAR. We need money brought back into our community. We need jobs.

Danielle Schoolmeesters
Lake Wylie, S.C.

(2)Ms. School -

Thank you for your email. Our firm has had interest in the past in
working with the owner in listing the land formerly occupied by Heritage
USA. At this point, it is our understanding that the current owners are
marketing the property themselves. Your interest in your community is of
course admirable and we share your same commitment to the communities in
which we do business.

Thank you for your comments and the sentiment will certainly be
considered should we become more involved in the area in the future.

Danelle W. Lane, Director of Marketing
Lincoln Harris
100 N. Tryon Street
Suite 2600
Charlotte, NC 28202
704.714.7611 phone
704.716.8600 fax
dlane@lincolnharris.com

(3)We appreciate your interest in the former Heritage USA property. During its prime the property was a tremendous economic benefit to York County and the entire greater Charlotte Region. However, it is still managed by a private organization -- Regent Carolina Corporation in Ft. Mill. Their number is 803-547-3500. We would love to see the property vibrant again.
Please keep us informed.

Bennish Brown
Rock Hill/York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
803-329-5200

I feel that we should keep contacting people so we can spread the word as far as we can. This is something that our community needs again - we need jobs for people, we need money for our community, and most of all, we need a place for families and children to go to. Let's not let this proerty go to waste any longer - Let's work together and do something about it!

[coastieso]

I think that it would be a wonderful idea for Heritage USA to reopen with a Christian backing. If there are other Christians who desire to see this occur, then let's begin an intercessory prayer ministry. Let's begin the process with the power of prayer.

SJO