The meaning behind Uptown Charlotte's new park
Why it matters: The transformed park replaces a long-neglected plaza and defunct foundation with an art and events space at Trade and Tryon, one of Charlotte's most prominent corners.
Just hours after the park opened, people were already gathering on the benches with friends, making calls beside the fountain and admiring the new art.
The big picture: The park honors Hugh McColl, the former Bank of America CEO and philanthropist credited with shaping the city surrounding the park, from building Bank of America Corporate Center to helping bring the symphony to Charlotte.
McColl turned 90 this month.
Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte, says the park committee wanted to "give him his flowers while he's living."
Catch up quick: Before the revamp, the park — previously known as Polk Park — was in rough shape. Charlotte Center City Partners and the McColl Park Committee, a group of civic leaders, raised about $10 million for the makeover and about $3 million for its long-term maintenance.
At the center of the 0.3-acre park is "The Nest," a sculpture of crisscrossed logs, suspended 56 feet in the air like a chandelier.
Architect Walter Hood says his goal was to change how people view the space around them.
"Before this piece was here, you saw the skyline in a completely different way ... you didn't stand here and look up," he said.
Hood is originally from Charlotte and remembers taking the bus through Trade and Tryon, near McColl Park, as a child.
Beneath the nest, a water feature's reflection makes the small pocket park feel larger.
The water can be drained for events, freeing up room for hundreds of seats. Programming could range from yoga classes to farmers' markets.
A jet mode with LED lights can turn the park into a show.
"It's two parks for the price of one," says Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners. "Wait' till you see it at night."
Zoom out: McColl Park is just one of many changes coming to Uptown. The city recently raised the municipal service area tax rate in some of the Uptown district for Charlotte Center City Partners' "Center City Vibrancy" effort.
The economic development organization will use the funds — combined with private sector contributions — to grow the ambassador program by 62%, launch a marketing campaign for Uptown and plan more events. They're also asking building owners to help step up maintenance on their corners.
"We think if we do that, your experience walking these 11 blocks is going to be raised," Smith says. "Hopefully people are feeling it already."
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