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…