Charlotte Urban Design Center

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Charlotte Urban Design Center

Charlotte Urban Design Center advances the quality of the built environment, creates public awarenes

06/04/2026

🎞🍿 Join us on Tuesday, June 9, from 6–8 PM at the Charlotte Urban Design Center for our next movie night!

This month, we're featuring "10 Towns That Changed America," a PBS documentary that explores the communities, planning initiatives, and bold ideas that shaped the way Americans live. From historic street grids to planned suburbs and revitalized urban neighborhoods, the film examines how design decisions can influence generations.

Following the screening, stick around for a community conversation about growth, public spaces, housing, transportation, and the future of our city.

📅 Tuesday, June 9
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Charlotte Urban Design Center (1507 Camden Road)
🎬 Free and open to the public, RSVP at https://cltgov.me/UDCevents

06/01/2026

In May, we said au revoir, bon voyage, and bon chance to our design fellow Gracie Layman. 🫡
A graduate student at UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture, Gracie is ending her time with us to travel to Taipei for a summer study abroad. Hardworking, interpersonal, and creative, Gracie fit right in with the UDC team. Assisting with housing test fit studies, design research, and communications, Gracie was a great asset.
For the last two years, we were fortunate to hire a design fellow through our partnership with the UNC Charlotte Master's of Urban Design program. Over nine months, they gain hands-on experience with the City of Charlotte, learning the roles and responsibilities of a municipal government. With the stroke of a pen, they get the opportunity to shape Charlotte's urban fabric and make positive changes in their community.
Thank you, Gracie, for your hard work and wonderful energy. We look forward to hearing about your travels and watching you grow into a great urban designer! 🙌

05/30/2026

Charlotte’s historic neighborhoods tell the stories that shape who we are and who we’re becoming. This Preservation Month, we’re celebrating the people, places, and partnerships that have transformed our city over the past 50 years, from the revival of Fourth Ward to the work happening today across all eight local historic districts.

As sister teams within the Planning, Design & Development Department’s Design and Preservation Division, the Urban Design Center and Charlotte Historic Preservation share a passion for placemaking and placekeeping. We believe that preserving stories and places sustains the soul of our city—and helps Charlotte grow with intention, inclusivity, and a deep respect for its roots.

Want to explore Charlotte’s preservation journey and see what the next fifty years could look like? Read the full story on our blog: https://people-make-cities.com/2026/05/29/then-and-now-hdc-charlotte-turns-50/

05/13/2026

Big news for the team!

Yesterday, .will received a award for civic engagement for his work designing our 3D City Building Game.

This is the second time this interactive tool has been recognized for its ability to transform how we talk about growth, design, and mobility. We’ve found that moving away from lectures and toward collaborative play allows for more authentic community input.

From long-time planning experts to students just beginning to think about the built environment, this tool is helping us build better cities together. 🏆

05/09/2026

🚨 NEW HIRE ALERT!

The UDC is excited to welcome Karen Schultz as a Project Manager on our team. With a background in landscape architecture and nearly five years of experience in Charlotte’s private sector, Karen brings a passion for research-driven design and creating spaces that truly connect with the people who use them. When she's not designing, you can find her cheering on Charlotte FC. ⚽

🥳 Welcome to the team, Karen!

05/06/2026

🌟South End is a goldmine of art, history, and design!

Join the Charlotte Urban Design Center and Artwalks for the South End Placemaking Walking Tour and explore how art and urban design are shaping one of Charlotte’s fastest‑growing neighborhoods. Whether you’re a local or new to the area, you’ll see South End in a whole new way!

📅 Thursday, May 21
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 1507 Camden Road
🎟️ This free community event is open to all. Register here at https://cltgov.me/UDCevents

Invite a friend and come walk with us! 🚶‍♀️‍➡️🚶‍➡️🚶‍♂️‍➡️

04/29/2026

⏰ The clock is ticking, Charlotte!

There are only a few days left to apply for the 2026 Placemaking Grant. If you’ve been thinking about submitting your bold idea to transform a public space, now is the time!

Applications close May 1 at 5 PM — no extensions.

Bring your creativity. Bring your community. Bring your vision to life.

Apply TODAY! https://cltgov.me/PlacemakingApp

04/24/2026

APPLY TODAY!

The 2026 Placemaking Grant is still accepting applications through May 1. Don’t miss your chance to bring a bold idea to life!

Whether it’s a mural, a pop‑up plaza, a community garden, or another creative vision for a public space, we want to see your ideas. 🌱🎨

Apply now using the link below and help shape a more vibrant, connected Charlotte!
https://cltgov.me/PlacemakingApp

04/17/2026

⏰ Reminder: Our virtual Placemaking Grant Q&A session is happening this upcoming Tuesday!

If you’re planning to apply or just exploring the idea, join us online to walk through the application guide, learn about the process, and get your questions answered. Whether you’re curious about requirements or want feedback on your project concept, we’re here to help.

Attendance is recommended but not required, and the same content will be covered in Thursday’s in‑person workshop.

📅 Virtual Q&A: Tuesday, April 21
💻 Link will be emailed to registrants 24 hours beforehand
📩 Questions? Email [email protected]

We hope to see you there!

04/13/2026

❗️ REMINDER: Our urban sketching workshop Inclusive Spaces is happening tomorrow!

We’re excited to bring you an evening of creativity, community, and fresh perspectives on inclusive design in our cities.

Before you arrive, take a moment to swipe through and meet the amazing local creatives leading our sketching groups. Their diverse backgrounds offer unique perspectives on the built environment, and their passion for teaching will give students of all levels the tools to improve their drawing skillset. 🖍

Bring your sketchbook, come as you are, and get ready to explore South End with us.

🎟️ Still need to get a ticket? Use the free RSVP link in our bio!

See you there! 👋

Address

1507 Camden Road
Charlotte, NC
28203

Website

http://charlottenc.gov/planning/urbandesign/Pages/default.aspx

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