I recently stumbled across a few archived local news blurbs about neighborhood revitalization in Charlotte.  One in particular focused on federally funded programs many organizations have been pursuing this year.  Center City Partners tied into this through tax credits in hopes to push along projects such as revamping the Hutchison Shopping Center area in the Druid Hills Neighborhood.  Johnson C. Smith University also has a vision to create a $100 million dollar performance center supported by mixed-use components, including retail and housing.  The Charlotte Housing Authority has pursued, and attained, tax credits and various grants through the State and federal government to help fund multiple projects in dire need of rehabilitation.  Charlottetown Terrace and the Strawn Apartments are two early 1970’s highrise towers that are currently nearing completion and beginning construction respectively.  Other non-profits, such as the Self-Help Group, Crossroads Corporation, and Related Affordable have actively acquired tax credits and funding to infuse new life into the Grier Heights Neighborhood.

Axiom Architecture has proudly played a part in many of these projects.  We have designed and helped develop the Moore Place project in Druid Hills in support of the chronically homeless and have enjoyed watching this facility materialize under construction over the past few months.  Charlottetown Terrace will be complete this fall and will provide a much healthier, more sustainable apartment community for its residents in a very urban, “tween” site neighboring Midtown and the Cherry community.  Axiom has recently completed drawings for the Strawn Apartment Tower, which greatly needed a significant makeover for nearly 200 senior and disabled tenants.  This project will be under construction later this year.  Further, Axiom has engaged in multiple planning and design exercises to help better the future at the JC Smith site and in the Grier Heights neighborhood.

As someone who is passionate about housing, it has been a humbling experience to be able to participate in neighborhood meetings and visit some of the residents in their homes with needs greater than you and I could ever imagine.  It is so inspiring to hear firsthand how proud so many of the folks in places like Grier Heights are of their neighborhood.  They embrace and welcome with open arms our thoughts and ideas to help improve their existing conditions while offering stories about all that is still good about their community.

Federal assistance, tax credits and grants certainly offer a realistic path to begin recognizing the grand visions of so many of these neighborhoods.  Smart design and planning is indeed a key ingredient as well.  Most importantly, however, are the people dwelling within each and every community.  Their optimism, love and passion for their own home, back yard, and neighborhood streets ultimately drive the success and permanence of the collective vision.  As a bigger focus turns to inner city neighborhoods and center city living, I am greatly encouraged about the future of many of these Charlotte communities in need of help.  They have been a vital part of Charlotte over the years, and I believe they will continue contributing to the Queen City for decades to come.