Charlotte real estate company founder Allen Tate dies at 84

To understand Allen Tate's influence on Charlotte, just take a drive around town.

Neighborhoods he developed dot the city, from Kingswood to Montibello to Foxcroft.

He helped build what is now Sharon Corners shopping center, about 10 years before SouthPark Mall opened paving the way for development that has dramatically transformed that area in recent decades.

And, of course, his company's burgundy-and-gold for-sale signs jut out of front yards stretching from Raleigh to Greenville, S.C.

Tate, founder of the Charlotte-based real estate firm that bears his name, died Monday at his home. He was 84.