Client

Do Greater Charlotte

Location

Charlotte, NC

Services

Architecture, Interior Design

Designed to support Charlotte’s next generation of creators and entrepreneurs, the Do Greater Charlotte Creative Lab Uptown at 500 North Tryon will offer students and young professionals a place to connect, collaborate and shape the future. Formerly the offices of ex-Charlotte Mayor Harvey B. Gannt’s architectural firm, Gantt Huberman, the new state-of-the-art facility marks the latest step in revitalizing the North Tryon area, by fostering creativity and economic opportunity. The project emerged from a 2023 competition led by Charlotte Center City Partners aimed at reshaping vintage Uptown office buildings. Do Greater Charlotte expects to serve up to 10,000 underestimated creatives and entrepreneurs per year through the new space.

20k
square feet
3
stories
10k
youth served annually

Dedicated Spaces to Create

The new three-story space, will offer a permanent space for young people and entrepreneurs to develop theirs skills and contribute to the city’s growing economy. The first floor will be dedicated to youth creators, ages 16-24, and the second floor will host a co-working lounge space. The 7,000-square-foot basement will become a digital creative studio for these youth to have access to state-of-the-art equipment to use at no cost.

Reimagining, Not Just Restoring

The 500 North Tryon project has unearthed the building’s history, revealing its original wood ceiling, brick walls, and mosaic tile floors, reminiscent of a 1920’s automobile dealership. The thoughtful selection of finishes and fixtures will bring to life the vibrant blues and reds of the Harlem Renaissance, featured prominently in the second-floor co-working lounge.

Transforming former office space into a dynamic creative lab for local youth, this innovative space delivers an inspiring learning environment that instills a sense of hope, confidence and belief in students and young professionals.