Uptown gained a new landmark on Wednesday as the final construction fences came down around the recently completed McColl Park.
Why it matters: The transformed park replaces a long-neglected plaza and defunct foundation with an art and events space at Trade and Tryon, one of Charlotte’s most prominent corners.
- Just hours after the park opened, people were already gathering on the benches with friends, making calls beside the fountain and admiring the new art.
The big picture: The park honors Hugh McColl, the former Bank of America CEO and philanthropist credited with shaping the city surrounding the park, from building Bank of America Corporate Center to helping bring the symphony to Charlotte.
- McColl turned 90 this month.
- Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte, says the park committee wanted to “give him his flowers while he’s living.”
Catch up quick: Before the revamp, the park — previously known as Polk Park — was in rough shape. Charlotte Center City Partners and the McColl Park Committee, a group of civic leaders, raised about $10 million for the makeover and about $3 million for its long-term maintenance…