Uptown Magazine: Charlotte Center City and Downtown

CLARICE IS WRAPPED IN A BLANKET and propped up on the end of the sofa staring out the window of her Gateway Village apartment. The wind is exceptionally strong today, and she can see the tops of the trees dancing back and forth in the mid-morning sunlight as a mournful tune emanates from the stereo.

He answers to wizard, magician, astrologer, and consultant. A conversation with Steve Nelson also reveals him as a scholar of many disciplines, and a Charlotte historian with a broad view. It is a common sentiment that Charlotte has a very short history, which may be why the debate over preserving older buildings and neighborhoods continues so strongly; it reveals urgency on the part of some to protect what little history we have. But Nelson’s thoroughly researched version of the Queen City’s past surpasses century-old buildings. He has provided a rich and deeply rooted record of the city’s origins that connects Charlotte to ancient knowledge.

In the continuing search to connect music fans in Charlotte with local music in our community, radio has long been a missing element. “The one glaring problem in this town is a true, well-respected, wellregarded independent radio station,” says local music aficionado Don Koster. A group of committed and dedicated local musicians has addressed that concern head-on by forming Charlotte Indie Radio, an Internet-based radio station that “plays Charlottearea original music 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

I’ve lived in Dilworth for close to 10 years. I’ve always loved the neighborhood: the huge trees and beautiful bungalows, Freedom Park, the great activity along East Boulevard, and the friends and neighbors. Over the past few years, however, I’ve been feeling the pull of center city. Uptown has grown and its mostly business and office crown has added a number of new jewels. Residences, restaurants, and nightlife have taken hold, and I want to be a part of it.