Yet at the end of our long interview about his role in the development of Uptown Charlotte, there came a moment when I unwittingly gave him a compliment that deeply resonated with the essential core of who Harvey Gantt is.

“So I guess it’s only fitting that this center should be named after you,” I said. “You have, after all, been a civil rights pioneer and a longtime leader in the African-American community.  But it’s also fitting, given that it’s located Uptown.  Because, after all is said and done, you are a ‘city guy.’”

Gantt, who had been in a reflective mood during our conversation, broke out in a wide grin that not only lit up his face, but seemingly his entire being as well.  It was a joyful look of pleasure that comes when an insightful “ah ha” moment about yourself is combined with an external recognition of what you are most proud of about yourself

“That’s right,” he said. “I’m a city guy. No one has ever called me that before. I have lived in uptown for 30 years, plus always had my business here. There aren’t many people who can say that.”

The moment ended the interview – focusing on Gantt’s role in the creation of modern uptown Charlotte – on just the right note.

Even those who have only lived in Charlotte for a short time recognize the name Harvey Gantt:  First black mayor of Charlotte (1983-1987).  A barrier-breaking candidate for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Jesse Helms in 1990 (and again in 1996).  And, before that, as the student who desegregated Clemson University when he attended its architecture program in 1963-1965.

But few people know Gantt as a distinguished architect and co-owner of Gantt Huberman Architects, which he founded with Jeff Huberman in 1971.  Fewer still – including myself, who has known him through the political arena for decades – realize that what he sees himself as is a city planner.

So, Dear Reader, come get to know Harvey Gantt, the City Guy, and learn about the history of modern Uptown Charlotte from one if its first advocates.

You were born and raised in Charleston. What brought you to Charlotte?
When I moved here in 1965, I was a young fellow looking for a place to raise my family and get certified as an architect. I wanted to stay in the South – two years of college in Iowa taught me that.  I had two choices – Atlanta and Charlotte. Although I graduated third in my class, I did not get a single job offer in South Carolina – no one wanted the notoriety of hiring the person who desegregated Clemson.

The size of the town appealed to me. It was a smaller pond than Atlanta. Odell Associates were nice and accommodating and made the case that the place was going to grow. Yet Charlotte was never originally on my radar; I wasn’t enamored with it. If you were going to go to North Carolina you thought about Raleigh or Greensboro.

What were those first years like?
For the first three years, I focused on getting my architecture license and was not involved in anything besides that and my church, Friendship Baptist.

Gouldie Odell (firm founder, Arthur Gould) allowed me to work on the first master plan for Uptown Charlotte. This was before the Civic Center, and the first office tower had not been built. There was no Fourth Ward, and Brooklyn (an old black neighborhood located near the intersection of McDowell and Stonewall streets) was being erased.

I watched from the sidelines as all the business leaders came to Odell to see the plan and saw how he sold it to them. I was in the room and saw all those people serious about the plan. It always stayed with me.  From that experience, I realized I wanted to study city planning, what made some cities great and some not.  So I got my masters in city planning from MIT, then worked as a planner at Soul City and taught city planning at UNC-Chapel Hill. For me, it was all about cities, not architecture.

Why did you come back to Charlotte?
I saw the city moving. There was another center city plan that called for using public infrastructure to promote private investment to create a place where white-table restaurants and greasy spoons were next door to each other and where housing made sense. Charlotte was a great urban laboratory, and there was a dynamism in the air. Jeff Huberman and I had met at Odell, and we had talked about forming an integrated architectural firm in Charlotte. There were few black architects anyway. He asked me to come back, and in October 1971, we opened our firm in the Johnson Building. We have always been located Uptown. A suburban location did not fit with our mission of what we wanted to be – and we felt we should be in the center of things.

Then what happened?
We did mostly institutional work, and we got our first city commission – the Belmont Regional Center — just before I was appointed to city council. That project made me more familiar with planning and how city departments worked. I realized how the city could, if they did it right, encourage housing and retail and make an exciting city. I decided I wanted to be a part of it.  Fred Alexander was my mentor, and he knew Charlotte’s history. He respected my growing knowledge about cities, and he listened to me. When he left city council for the state legislature, a lot of people wanted his seat. Out of the blue, he asked me to fill it because I was a neutral candidate. It was then that I saw how I could use my knowledge in a direct and effective way — the city needed to leverage the aspects it had control over to shape development where it needed to go. It was when I began to see Uptown as the livingroom of the region.

I remember you using that phrase in the early 1980s during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Uptown transit mall. It’s a forgotten term now. But the mall served its purpose.  It laid the groundwork for today’s Uptown.

We tore up Tryon Street, and it was nothing but clay and holes for months. I think now how remarkable it was that we convinced the retailers and financial institutions to let us close Tryon Street and transform the way it looked. We buried the utility cables, spread bus stations along the length of Tryon and built a civic realm on the street. It was the start of a new way of thinking about Uptown.

Now I look at and see the beautiful trees and bus shelters. There were some who argued for cheap little enclosed shelters, but we wanted something that would last. They were well worth the investment — they still look good after more than 20 years.

What other developments helped transform Uptown?
This place has always believed in what it planned. We saw second-floor retail in Minneapolis, and we followed through on it by building the Overstreet Mall. It fulfilled its purpose, but it had consequences we did not anticipate. We’re still working on getting retail on the street. We had a cultural plan that called for transforming a church into an arts center (Spirit Square) and for building a science museum (Discovery Place). It keeps going on and on.

The Junior League restored the Berryhill House in Fourth Ward, and some of us on council got enamored with it.  It wasn’t high-rise housing, but it was the beginning of residential development in the soft underbelly of high-rises. It was a romantic idea that made sense.

You almost got the Coliseum built uptown during the 1980s.  But it ended up off of Billy Graham.
The bond to build the coliseum passed while I was mayor, and we considered  two Uptown sites. One was where the Civic Center was (now the site of the EpiCentre), but it was too tight. Then we considered the site of the Arnold Palmer Cadillac dealership (where the Convention Center now sits).  But the council voted it down for the suburban site. I took a lot of heat for it, but I still think I had the right idea.

Progress kept being made, though.

Uptown has evolved over generations, in fits and starts, with successes and failures. But everyone had the notion that we could eventually build something very good at the city’s center.  The Charlotte Uptown Development Corporation (precursor to Charlotte Center City Partners) got business leaders involved who knew we were serious.

You made a personal commitment to Uptown as well as a business one.
I felt it was important to make a personal investment and so moved into Fourth
Ward.  Now I walk to Tryon Street from there and show it off to visitors, who are fascinated by the level of activity.  At 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, the streets are filled with people. My guests always ask me, “Where are these people going? How on earth did you get this place to look like this?”

What about the future?
I’m happy where the center city is today. It was part of a movement of people – the city manager, city council and business leaders – with the right ideas.  In 20 years, it can look even better. But we still need to work on retail, residential, and parking. We need to continue to make it a destination for the region. And I hope we don’t lose our energy and vision for public transportation. We need to extend the light rail line all the way to the university and add commuter lines to the towns, even if we have to add another quarter-percent tax.

Are you concerned that the Wells Fargo Cultural Campus (which the Gantt Center is part of) is opening during a severe economic downturn?
No. Of course there are going to be dips in the economy if you look long term. The value of my house in Fourth Ward has gone up, gone down, flattened, gone up again – we didn’t choose it for the short term. The Cultural Campus will still be great 50 years from now. It is opening at a time when people have less money for entertainment, but in the big scheme of things, it is something very special. We are being applauded that a city of this size could open so many venues in such a short period of time. It is one more thing that will make Uptown a destination in the center of the region.

The campus – and the Gantt Center – are examples of how the public sector can leverage its resources to spur development.

I remember when the Afro-Am Center – I’ll be calling the organization that for a long time – was started at UNC-Charlotte and when it was based in one room at Spirit Square. I served on its board in the 1970s. Then, when I was mayor pro tem, the Little Rock AME Church was slated for destruction to widen Seventh Street. But the road was moved to save it – I wonder how many people know that’s why the street curves like that?  The city purchased it and leased it to the Afro-Am Center once they raised a certain amount of money. Then the Center grew enough and had enough presence that when the new Cultural Campus was planned, it was right in the heart of it.

I know everyone asks this question, but I can’t resist. How does it feel to have this center named after you?
I’ve always had strong feelings that you shouldn’t name buildings after people who are living.  So I gave it a lot of thought after I was asked.  But it was thinking about children that moved me the most. The black and white kids who go there might ask, “Why is it named the Gantt Center? Who is this fellow?” And my story might be uplifting and inspiring to some of them.

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture is the new name for the Afro-American Cultural Center that was founded 35 years.  The new four-story building at Stonewall and Tryon streets is a combination art/history museum and cultural center. It will feature 7,000 square feet of gallery space in its three main exhibit halls. The opening exhibits feature works by Belmont native Juan Logan and Atlanta-based Radcliffe Bailey, as well as the entire 58 pieces of the nationally known Hewitt Collection, part of the center’s permanent collection. Purchased in 1998 by Bank of America and donated to the Center, it features paintings by such artists as Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Jonathan Green and Ann Tanksley.

~ Bea Quirk

What makes Charlotte a “sexy” city? What doesn’t?
The people of Charlotte make it sexy. It is such a new city and it has become a collection of people from all across the country. I think it is great that the people of Charlotte haven’t forgotten where they’ve come from, whether they are originally from here or not.

Where are the best spots in Charlotte to live? To go out?
I love the Dilworth and South Park areas. There is always something fun to do around there. It is such and young and energetic city that just about anywhere is exciting.

What motivates you to get up and go to work in the morning?
I’m working hard each day trying to get back to the major leagues. You work year-round to get better and improve all for the chance to compete at the highest level. Every guy in Triple-A is trying to get to the big leagues. Right now I’m looking to go in to spring training healthy and in the best shape possible and compete for a big league job.

What’s something not many people know about you?
I’m actually a pretty good singer. At least I think so.

What do you think the future holds for the Queen City?
Hopefully an Uptown baseball stadium for the Knights. Charlotte is going to keep growing and changing. It will be exciting what it looks like in ten years. As long as the people don’t change, then this city will be great.

Jack’s Prize Package to be Auctioned off at Enso on Oct. 29 from 7-9p.m.
14 Person Suite
Charlotte Knights Gift Basket
First Pitch
Clubhouse Tour
½ Inning on the Charlotte Knights Radio speaking with the announcers
½ Inning on the stadium PA
Batting Practice(BP) Coach: Act as a BP coach, sit in the dugout, and mingle with players

~ Bryan Reed

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What makes Charlotte a “sexy” city? What doesn’t?
Charlotte has an incredibly sunny disposition that is absolutely sexy. Her people are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. There’s everything you could ever want here: food, festivals, football. What’s not sexy: Charlotte hasn’t embraced just how truly cool, hip and fun she is!

Where are the best spots in Charlotte to live? To go out?
Hands down the best place to live is Uptown. We can walk to Bobcats, Panthers, and Checkers games. We’ve got hot clubs, cool bars, and cuisines to please any palate! There are greenways and dog parks. What’s not to love?

What motivates you to get up and go to work in the morning?
I just finished my three-year tenure at WSOC and I’m currently looking for my next gig. And what I have always loved about my job is that I get to tell a person’s story. It wasn’t an accident, it wasn’t a murder, and it wasn’t a home invasion. Every single incident meant there was a victim, a family, a story.
I’m calling my time in between jobs my “sabbatical.” And these days, I’m working on a book, telling a story in paper form as opposed to video. Now every morning, I’m excited to see where my characters will take me.

What’s something not many people know about you?
I’m the daughter of Chinese immigrants and my first language was Mandarin-Chinese. I’m the first one in my family to go to college. I don’t like to cook but I love to eat. I curse—a lot. My friends tell me, pound for pound, I’m the loudest person they know.

What do you think the future holds for the Queen City?
I think Charlotte’s future is very bright. My husband and I moved here from Boston three years ago and we absolutely love it. There’s a palpable sense of optimism and I love the idea we’re part of this growth.

Susan’s Prize Package to be Auctioned off at Enso on Oct. 29 from 7-9p.m.
Four day / three night stay at one of Bermuda’s fine hotels including two roundtrip airline tickets courtesy of the Bermuda Department of Tourism, bermudatourism.com.

~ Bryan Reed

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What makes Charlotte a “sexy” city? What doesn’t?
The thing about Charlotte that makes it a sexy city is the diversity it has. The thing about Charlotte that isn’t sexy is when people are judgmental based only on the way a person looks.

Where are the best spots in Charlotte to live? To go out?
The best spot to live for me, at the moment, is South End. I just moved in the area to a luxury high-rise called Ashton South End. I love that I can walk to the light rail and local restaurants like Sullivan’s Steakhouse. It’s hard to think of just one great place or area to live in since Charlotte has so many great spots to live. The best spot to go out is EpiCentre, hands down. It’s a hot spot that Charlotte has needed for a long time. There is so much to do at the EpiCentre: shop, eat, dance, play, and watch your favorite movie—my favorite new spot at EpiCentre is Enso.

What motivates you to get up and go to work in the morning?
I love what I do. I’m the Leasing Director for Ashton South End, managed by the Hanover Company. I have never been more passionate about any job than this one. Hanover is great to their employees and I work with the best team ever. I also enjoy my residents and being able to find people their new home is very rewarding.

What’s something not many people know about you?
I love fishing! I enjoy the time I can spend with my husband on our family’s pond, and having a cold beer every now and then, too.

What do you think the future holds for the Queen City?
As time passes, we are going to see more growth in our city, and that growth will be exciting for everyone that lives here. I love watching my city grow and look forward to my kids one day seeing that as well.

Olivia’s Prize Package to be Auctioned off at Enso on Oct. 29 from 7-9p.m.
SilverFox Limos: Three to four hour chauffeured limousine service. Valid Sunday through Friday only. Tip not included. Donated by James Weymann. silverfoxlimos.com
Carolina Panthers: Autographed authentic pigskin signed by #17 Jake Delhomme and an autographed authentic jersey signed by #87 Muhsin Muhammad. Donated by April Smith and Bernadette Washington. panthers.com
Neiman Marcus gift certificate for a day of pampering. Enjoy a facial and makeup lesson from one of Neiman’s cosmetic lines. Donated by Maggie Snipes, neimanmarcus.com
Diamonds Direct South Park: $500.00 Gift Certificate. Donated by Itay Berger with special thanks to Kelsey Halford, ddusainc.com
Varji & Varji Salon & Spa: Spa package for two facials, two massages, two manicures, and two pedicures. Donated by Max and Susan Varji, varji.com
Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Experience a dinner at Sullivan’s Steakhouse for an unforgettable dining experience. For 4 people, a $250 value. Donated by Chris Whelpton, sullivansteakhouse.com
Aloft Hotel at the EpiCentre: Celebrate in style with a weekend stay at Aloft Hotel at the EpiCentre, in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.  Donated by Rob Cote, aloftcharlotteuptown.com

~ Bryan Reed

What makes Charlotte a “sexy” city? What doesn’t?
Charlotte is a fresh and vibrant city. It’s expanding and growing overnight. Every day going to work I see the cranes and new buildings being built, who wouldn’t get excited about all the opportunity literally sprouting up on every street corner. It’s sexy to know that you have this opportunity at your fingertips. What doesn’t? The traffic from construction—but that’s a small price to pay.

Where are the best spots in Charlotte to live? To go out?
I must admit a slight bias on this question. The EpiCentre is the heartbeat of Uptown Charlotte. With so much to offer and so many different venues it’s the perfect place to spend a day or night out. The upbeat atmosphere keeps people coming back and the best part about the EpiCentre, it’s not done growing yet!

What motivates you to get up and go to work in the morning?
I have a great challenge in my line of work: how do you get people to constantly find the product you are producing the most exciting in the city? I enjoy seeing a project from beginning to end. At Suite, at the EpiCentre, we develop new ideas, create marketing plans, execute, and watch an idea become reality as we try to redefine nightlife in Uptown Charlotte.

What’s something not many people know about you?
Working my way through college at UNCC, I started doing nightly security at Have A Nice Day Café before I was old enough to drink. From there I worked my way up through other clubs in town going from security to a VIP host, to manager, to partner here at Suite at EpiCentre. I am excited about the future and expanding the Suite concept across the country.

What do you think the future holds for the Queen City?

The people are just so genuine, it’s unlike anyplace else, not to mention the youth of the city. I’m not just talking about age—the energy here is something contagious. Take a walk though Uptown on any night and you’ll find people out and about and live music playing. The city is alive. I only see it continuing to grow. And as more people move into Uptown, the possibilities are endless.

Brad’s Prize Package to be Auctioned off at Enso on Oct. 29 from 7-9p.m.
Strike City: Enjoy a two hour private party for eight to ten people in the Private King Pin Room. ($800 value)
Monday – Thursday. Includes appetizers, two hours of bowling, and shoe rental

Suite VIP platinum card ($400 value)
You plus one guest enjoy free admission from Nov 2009 – Nov 2010
VIP Line access, VIP Table Wednesday – Friday for up to eight people ($400 value)

Whisky River VIP Card ($400 value)
You plus one guest enjoy free admission for a year from Nov 2009 – Nov 2010
VIP Line access, VIP table good for Tuesday or Friday for up to eight people ($400 value)

Aloft: A room at the ALoft good for any Friday through the end of the year ($170 value)
BlackFinn – $100 Gift Certificate
Mez: Two complimentary movie tickets, a romantic chef’s tasting for two. a delightful five-course meal with wine pairings ($228 value)
Modern Salon and Spa: $100 Gift Certificate
Palm Beach Tan: One free diamond level package for a month ($100 value), lotion kit ($65 value)
Indo China Grill: $50 gift card
Enso: $150 Gift Certificate
Blue Restaurant and Bar: A romantic chef’s tasting four course meal with wine pairings for two ($200 value)

~ Bryan Reed

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What makes Charlotte a “sexy” city? What doesn’t?
Charlotte is sexy because it is thriving. All of the possibilities Charlotte has makes it the sexiest city I know. What takes the sexy out of Charlotte? The abandoned buildings on Independence.

Where are the best spots in Charlotte to live? To go out?
Myers Park, Dilworth, Uptown, Plaza-Midwood. I love dining out at Pewter Rose, Copper, and Lang Van. I also love to practice yoga and hang out with my fellow yogis at Yoga One.
What motivates you to get up and go to work in the morning?
Being a professional ballet dancer, I get to do what I love everyday. Waking up knowing I will be dancing to music, striving to perfect my passion, and working with really great people makes me the happiest.

What’s something not many people know about you?
As a child I was so quiet and painfully shy at school. As an incentive, my family would reward me if I were to get in trouble at school for talking. It’s hard for my friends now to believe that!

What do you think the future holds for the Queen City?
I think the future of the Queen City holds more fantastic people, food, style, and, most importantly, a constant growth and change for the better.

Alessandra’s Prize Package to be Auctioned off at Enso on Oct. 29 from 7-9p.m.
Four VIP Runway for the Ballet tickets – $260
Four Premium Tickets “The Nutcracker” – $296
Four Premium Tickets to “Cinderella” – $296
Four Premium Tickets to “Innovative” – $296
Four Premium Tickets to Director’s Choice – $296
Two Walk-on roles in “The Nutcracker”—Priceless!

~ Bryan Reed

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