David Dunn

Jan. 9. A Cornelius entrepreneur-turned-carwash-owner and Realtor is turning some unused property on Catawba Avenue into a gathering spot complete with food trucks, a farmers market and entertainment.

“My vision for this piece of property is to be a centerpiece of the community,” said David Dunn, the owner of Cornelius Car Wash at 20833 Catawba Ave.

The DIY car wash sits about in the middle of the 1.5 acre parcel on a high-volume stretch of Catawba.

Dunn intends to make it an attraction with a 12 foot by 15 foot stage for local performers, similar to what’s behind Summit Coffee in downtown Davidson.

Food vendors are paying $500 a month for their spaces, with a grand opening planned this month. Among the vendors are Kidane Sayfou, a crepes chef with an enthusiastic following, Ruff Roasting Coffee, Factory Hot Dogs and, coming in January, Your Mom’s Donuts and Taco Mobile.

All this takes place behind a busy carwash with DIY bays and one automatic bay that sees about 100 cars a week

A former insurance entrepreneur as well as vice chancellor at UNC-Charlotte, Dunn is a little like the curator of a museum. There is a variety of offerings and he guarantees each vendor “cuisine exclusivity” so there is no overlap for the individual business owners, not to mention customers.