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Plaza-Midwood (Charlotte neighborhood) facts for kids

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Plaza Midwood
Central Avenue as it passes through Plaza-Midwood
Central Avenue as it passes through Plaza-Midwood
Country  United States
State  North Carolina
County Mecklenburg
City Charlotte
Council District 1
Neighborhood Profile Areas 378
Chatham Estates 1903
Founded by Paul Chatham
Area
 • Total 370 ha (914 acre)
Population
 (2015)
 • Total 4,350
Time zone UTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
Zip Code
28204, 28205
Area codes 704, 980
Quality of Life Dashboard

Plaza-Midwood is a lively neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is located about one mile northeast of Uptown Charlotte. This area is known for its unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

The neighborhood is bordered by Hawthorne Lane to the west and The Plaza to the north. Briar Creek Road and the Charlotte Country Club are to the east. Central Avenue forms its southern border. Just south of Central Avenue, you can find the 19-acre Veterans Park.

Exploring Plaza-Midwood's Past

Plaza-Midwood began in 1910 as a "streetcar suburb" of Charlotte. This means it was built along a streetcar line, making it easy for people to travel to and from the city center. The Oakland Land Company planned the roads in the neighborhood.

Growth and Challenges in Plaza-Midwood

Plaza-Midwood continued to grow even during the Great Depression. However, its growth slowed down starting in the 1950s. By 1975, local residents formed the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association. Their goal was to protect and improve the community.

A New Chapter for the Neighborhood

Since the mid-1990s, Plaza-Midwood has seen a big comeback. Old homes have been fixed up and turned into cool, modern places. This renewal has also spread to nearby neighborhoods. It has helped bring new life to many older parts of Charlotte.

Plaza-Midwood's Historic District

The western part of Plaza-Midwood is a special Historic District. Residents and businesses work to keep its unique character. In 1992, the areas along The Plaza, Thomas Avenue, and parts of Pecan and Clement were named a Local Historic District. The Historic District Commission now helps manage this area.

Who Lives in Plaza-Midwood?

Historical population
Census Pop.
2000 3,897
2010 3,993 2.5%
2015 (est.) 4,350 8.9%

In 2010, Plaza-Midwood had a population of 3,993 people. Most residents, about 84.2%, were White American. About 8.2% were Black or African American. Around 1.6% were Asian American, and 2.8% were of some other race. About 3.2% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino American. The average household income in the area was $97,576.

Getting Around Plaza-Midwood

There are several ways to travel in and around Plaza-Midwood.

Public Transportation Options

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offers bus services in Plaza-Midwood.

  • #4 (Country Club)
  • #9 (Central Avenue)
  • #17 (Commonwealth)
  • #39 (Eastway)

Future plans include five stops for the CityLynx Gold Line streetcar. These stops are planned for Hawthorne at Barnhardt, The Plaza, St. Julien Street, Iris Drive, and Morningside Drive. There might also be a stop for the future Silver Line light rail in Plaza-Midwood. However, the exact path for this line is still being decided.

Main Roads in the Area

The main roads that go through Plaza-Midwood are Central Avenue, Hawthorne Lane, and The Plaza.

Learning and Libraries

Plazamidwoodlibrary
The Plaza-Midwood branch of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County

Local Schools

Students living in Plaza-Midwood attend Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. These include Eastway Middle School, Garinger High School, and Shamrock Gardens Elementary School.

Community Libraries

The Plaza Midwood branch of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County serves the neighborhood. You can find the library at the corner of Central Avenue and The Plaza.

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