Charlotte Nonprofit Reimagines Historic Building for Creative Young Minds
Charlotte, a city full of potential and growth, is taking significant strides towards empowering its youth and fostering entrepreneurship. A local nonprofit, Do Greater Charlotte, is on a mission to transform the former office building of Harvey B. Gantt—known for being Charlotte’s first Black mayor—into a vibrant hub for young creatives and entrepreneurs.
The building, located at 500 North Tryon Street, is about to be repurposed as a center designed specifically for “underestimated entrepreneurs” and “opportunity youth,” a term that refers to individuals aged 16 to 24 who may not have pursued formal training or further education after high school. With an impressive history dating back over a century, this 20,000 square-foot building will soon house a range of exciting programs aimed at inspiring the next generation.
A Step Towards Greatness
Earlier this year, Do Greater Charlotte participated in the Charlotte Center City Partners’ Reimagining Vintage Office Design Competition, where they secured second place and won $2,500. The first-place winners, property management company Asana Partners, were so impressed with Do Greater’s vision that they decided to donate their $15,000 prize to support this ambitious project.
According to William McNealy, the founder and CEO of Do Greater Charlotte, this initiative is intended to create a central hub for youth in the community. “We’re envisioning a place that is more than just a physical space,” McNealy noted. “It’s about establishing an ecosystem where opportunity youth can collaborate with entrepreneurs to build new possibilities.”
What’s in Store
The project, aptly named Creative Lab Uptown, will be divided into several distinct areas, each serving a unique purpose. One floor will offer a co-working environment and resources for entrepreneurial support organizations. Another will house services specifically geared toward youth, including valuable training and skills development opportunities.
One of the standout features of the Creative Lab will be a stunning 7,000-square-foot digital studio. This space will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for videography, photography, and sound engineering, designed to help young creatives bring their ideas to life.
Building an Ecosystem of Possibility
As the organization embarks on this transformative journey, they are leading a $5 million capital campaign to fund the project, having already raised around 30% of that amount with plans for continued outreach to secure support. Out of that total, approximately $3.7 million will be allocated for construction, with the rest dedicated to operational costs.
Pre-construction demolition of the building kicked off in June, and construction is set to begin in late September. The grand opening is being planned for the end of February, with the Creative Lab anticipating full occupancy by March 2025.
A Vision for the Future
McNealy, inspired by the success of his organization’s previous endeavors, is optimistic. The Creative Lab at Shiloh, another hub providing creative technologies for school-aged youth, laid the foundation for this new vision. “By enhancing this particular area of Uptown, we can not only provide services but also stimulate growth and innovation,” he explained.
With a focus on Charlotte’s underserved communities, namely communities of color, McNealy sees the Creative Lab as a vital step toward enhancing economic mobility in the region. Recent studies have shown that Charlotte’s economic mobility ranking has significantly improved, a testament to the ongoing efforts to uplift the community’s youth and lesser-represented groups.
The Future is Bright
Charlotte is on the cusp of an exciting and transformative journey, and the Creative Lab Uptown is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future for many young creators and entrepreneurs. With the collective efforts of dedicated nonprofits, community members, and supportive partners, the landscape of opportunity is indeed expanding in the Queen City. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right resources and community support, we can build a brighter tomorrow for the next generation.
