Afro Center preps move
By Shari Tillman
the charlotte post

The Afro-American Cultural Center is in the midst of moving into a new 44,000 square foot building as a part of the city's cultural arts expansion project.

The facility has preserved and presented African-American culture, and art to the public for 33 years, and is currently changing its look to help house new programs such as educational programs.

According to Deon Bradley, president and chief executive office of AACC, there was a need for the new facilities.

"It is a very positive thing for Charlotte," said Bradley.

The new four story building is being built in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood, which was the center of the black community spanning from the 1800s until the 1960s. The Freelon Group in association with Neighboring Concepts is modeling the new facility after the Meyers school, which was located in the Brooklyn neighborhood.

Project Manager Mayowa Alabi of The Freelon Group says the Meyers school was chosen as an inspiration because of its Jacob's ladder fire escape design.

"We saw that it was a metaphor for understanding and learning, and a rise to enlightenment," said Project Manager Mayowa Alabi of The Freelon Group.

Alabi says the design creates a mental picture of tangibility.

Bob Bertges, director of corporate real estate for Wachovia, says the city is working on a cultural arts expansion. Mayor Pat McCory created a task force to help fund the expansion of the Mint Museums, Wachovia and AACC.

"Everyone liked the idea of being apart of a big project, but also having their own space," Said Bertges.

Along with the AACC, Wachovia and The Mint Museums are also experiencing an expansion overhaul of their facilities. The buildings will all be within a short distance of one another, including The Beckler Museum of Modern Art and The Knight Theater.

The AACC will include: three new exhibit areas, 50 percent of the space will be set aside for rotating exhibits, multi-purpose room, roof top terrace for receptions, classrooms, reception space and a museum store.

Bradley says the Hewitt Collection is the cornerstone exhibit in terms of education and its national reputation. Three state of the art galleries are also being included. Currently the ground breaking has only occurred, and according to Alabi, it is tough to say when the construction will begin from the ground up.

"I hope it becomes a significant cultural presence within a corporate area," said Alabi. "I want our building to be significantly developed within that, and visited by everybody in Charlotte and nationwide."

With the ground breaking for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the light rail transit, and the cultural arts expansion, everyone involved is excited for what is in store for Charlotte's future.