As a legacy open space for the City of Charlotte, Independence Square is a space that has long fallen short of its urban promise. Yet, it has great potential to draw from the broader momentum and vibrancy of Charlotte’ ongoing renaissance. Agency is leading a team that is taking a fresh look at the park – how it is working today, what needs it can meet differently in the future, what capital investments are the wisest next steps and how to manage the park sustainably over the next decades.
Independence Square sits at the 100% corner – the urban center – of Charlotte, yet it feeds little off the energy of the thriving audience around it. Designed by Angela Danadjieva, a landscape designer with her roots in theatrical set design, the existing fountain provides a magic backdrop to an urban stage often devoid of performance.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Center City Partners and the City of Charlotte, the design process is casting a wide net, dreaming big for the park and its physical and programmatic evolution. We are looking at both the community and park offerings today – but also project forward to understand demographic changes and associated programming and use potentials and trends. Our emerging concept design brings forward new and experimental uses and ideas alongside tried-and-true programming potentials, capitalizing on Independence Square’s promise of a 24/7 downtown hub.
Our team includes Kimley-Horn Associates, Fluidity Design Consultants, Amplify Consulting, the Cultural Landscape Foundation, RMF Engineering and Zaragunda.
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