Former CMS building getting new life in west Charlotte. Here’s what’s planned

A West Charlotte building is getting new life thanks to a county initiative and the collaboration of five nonprofit organizations to bring college and career support to a high-need area of Charlotte.

The 2324 LaSalle St. property previously served as the North Branch Library and the site of two Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administrative projects: Project L.I.F.T. to increase academic growth in west Charlotte and the Northwest Learning Community, which provided regional oversight to the area’s elementary, middle and high schools. The building is located just around the corner from West Charlotte High School.

Now, a new initiative called Urban Spark will continue the building’s 70-year legacy of public service by creating opportunities for high school students in the 28216 and 28208 zip codes to receive assistance in college applications, internship and job placement, earning credentials and breaking into the creative industry.

Robyn Hamilton, CEO of the Urban League of Central Carolinas, presented the vision to the board at its July 7 meeting. It’s the result of a year-long mission by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners to transform the 3,667-square-foot facility into a community center providing opportunity for economic mobility.

“Economic stability is the mainstay of the American dream,” Hamilton said. “We’re presenting the world of possibilities.”

The building will host pop-up events including a placement fair for internships and interviews, workshops on leadership development and entrepreneurship, and a creator showcase.

According to data from Tuesday’s presentation, the 28216 zip code represents one of Mecklenburg’s “widest mobility and achievement gaps.” It lags in the percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree, households with high-speed internet, homeowners and CMS high-school graduation rate. It also falls behind the county average in median household income: $34,242 compared to the county’s average of $83,765.

The 28216 zip code stretches northwest from just north of uptown past I-485.

Chair Mark Jerrell said the community voiced a need to the board to invest in the next generation and support them in ways other than a four-year college degree.

“What we’re trying to do is make sure we add value to a corridor that’s been underserved and underinvested,” Jerrell said.

The five-way collaboration pools resources from Urban League, Road to Hire, Year Up United, My Brother’s Keeper and Do Greater Charlotte. Hamilton said the workforce development Urban Spark sets out to do is not a new idea; it combines the efforts of already successful nonprofits and builds off CMS’ 3Es Framework: enrolled, enlisted, employed.

Commissioner Laura Meier called Urban Spark a “home run.”

“It’s giving those without opportunity an opportunity,” she said.

Next steps include creating an advisory council of educators, youth and other stakeholders; finalizing a calendar; and confirming the lease and renovations with the county. Hamilton said she is especially excited about the advisory council and hearing what success and change looks like for community members.

Funding for building renovations will fall to the commissioners while funding for programming will be left up to negotiation with the five nonprofit partners.

Jerrell hopes the initiative will exceed the goals Hamilton presented, which includes 75 credentials earned, 50 high-wage job placements and 80% of families completing FAFSA in its first year.

“This is an opportunity where we’re bringing some great operators together to produce positive outcomes,” Jerrell said. “This goes beyond just another program. This is going to be something that’s an exceptional way for us to invest in the community.”