First Ward Park (Charlotte, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Ward Park |
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First Ward Park on October 30, 2015
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 4.6 acres (0.019 km2) |
| Designer | Shadley Associates |
| Operated by | Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation |
| Status | Completed |
| Parking | Metered parking along Brevard and 8th streets |
| Public transit access | 9th Street Station |
| Website | First Ward Park |
First Ward Park is a cool 4.6-acre park located in the First Ward area of Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. It's a great spot for people to relax and have fun in the city.
A company called Shadley Associates was chosen to design the park after a big competition. The park was built around some existing buildings, like Dixie's Tavern and parts of UNC Charlotte. New buildings, including offices, a hotel, and a parking garage, are also being built nearby.
The park is found at the corner of 7th and Brevard Street. It's right next to ImaginOn, a fun library and children's theater, and the Lynx light rail tracks. First Ward Park officially opened on December 8, 2015, with a special ceremony and tours. This park was the last of four major parks to be completed in each of Uptown Charlotte's main areas.
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Planning the Park's Future
The idea for First Ward Park and the areas around it had been planned for many years. Daniel Levine, who owns Levine Properties, had been working on this vision. His company owns a lot of land in the First Ward.
The park was created through a partnership. Levine Properties, UNC Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the City of Charlotte all worked together. As part of this plan, Levine traded the land for the park with the county. In return, he received land along Brevard Street for other developments.
The idea for First Ward Park was a big part of the "Charlotte 2020 Vision Plan." This plan was approved by the City Council in 2011. The park was seen as a key part of creating a "First Ward Village." This village would include new buildings on empty lots nearby. One main goal of the park was to create "attractive, active spaces" for each of the Uptown neighborhoods.
City leaders and developers hoped that First Ward Park would encourage more growth. They wanted it to be like Romare Bearden Park and BB&T Ballpark in the Third Ward. Those places helped bring many new apartments and office buildings to the area.
New Buildings Around the Park
Several new buildings and projects are planned or have been built around First Ward Park. These additions help make the area even more lively.
The Dixie's Tavern Building
The historic Philip Carey building on 7th Street, also known as Dixie's Tavern, has been updated. It has been turned into modern office spaces. In December 2015, it was announced that Google Fiber would use this building. It became their main office for the region.
Apartments and Parking
An apartment complex and a large parking deck are being built a couple of blocks from the park. The apartment complex will have 264 homes. It will be built around the parking deck, which has 1,300 spaces. UNC Charlotte is helping pay for the parking deck so its students can use 300 of the spaces.
New Hotels
Two new hotels are expected to be built near the park. These will be a Canopy hotel and a Homewood Suites hotel. Both of these brands are owned by Hilton. Construction on these hotels could start soon.
Office Tower Plans
An office tower is also planned right next to the park. It will be at the corner of 9th Street and the light rail tracks. However, construction for this tower won't begin until a main company agrees to rent a large part of the building.
