City Joins Forces to Activate Creative Lab in Uptown

Published on November 07, 2025

Interior of Do Greater space in Uptown Charlotte, featuring a staircase, tables, and people using the facility.

The City of Charlotte and a coalition of Charlotte-based corporations and foundations are joining forces to complete and activate an innovation lab in Uptown Charlotte.

At its meeting on Monday, Oct. 27, the Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a $750,000 investment to support the Do Greater Foundation’s Creative Lab Uptown (CLU), which is designed to expand workforce development, entrepreneurship and youth safety programs.

This $4.6 million project, which earlier received $3.85 million in investments from Charlotte-based corporations and foundations, is expected to open in February 2026.

“Charlotte has been built on collaboration,” said Charlotte Mayor VI Lyles. “Since 2017, Do Greater Charlotte has provided resources in areas where there have been critical needs and as a result, our city has become greater. Investing in the Creative Lab Uptown reflects our city’s strong tradition of public-private partnerships. We’re leveraging corporate and philanthropic partnerships to grow Charlotte’s startup ecosystem while also energizing Uptown.”

CLU will be located at 500 N. Tryon St., a 20,000-square-foot landmark building owned by Harvey B. Gantt, Charlotte’s first Black mayor and a pioneer in design and civic leadership. Originally built in 1921 as an automobile showroom, it was later home to Gantt Huberman Architects, one of the first racially integrated architecture firms in North Carolina.

The city’s support is made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Thousands of youth and entrepreneurs are expected to use the facility each year.

“We’re deeply grateful to Mayor Lyles, City Council and city staff for their belief in what’s possible when potential meets opportunity,” said William McNeely, founder and chief executive officer of Do Greater. “This investment from the City of Charlotte is more than funding; it’s a vote of confidence in the power of access and creativity. With this support, we can accelerate construction, expand and launch new programs and create a space where Charlotte’s next generation of creators and entrepreneurs have the tools and community to thrive.”

CLU will support efforts underway to reimagine North Tryon as a hub for corporate innovation, academics, research and entrepreneurship. The lab also aligns with recommendations identified in the 2024 Charlotte Startup Ecosystem Report to grow the entrepreneurial sector in Charlotte.