CITY OF CHARLOTTE

The Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library will get a facelift to improve open spaces as part of a $225,000 gift from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to the city of Charlotte.

Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library is getting a facelift.

The city of Charlotte received a $225,000 gift from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to improve outdoor open spaces at the library, which is located near the Beatties Ford Road and LaSalle Street intersection. The funding is designed to improve use of space and create community space for meetings and arts programming ranging from immersive gardens to interactive games.

“The Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library is excited to be chosen by the community as a destination of choice along the Beatties Ford Road corridor. We are equally excited to bring the magic that happens inside the library to the outside and activate this space,” library regional branch manager Hannah Terrell said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to solidify our role as a community asset and corridor anchor and are beyond grateful to The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for their generous support to help us actuate the desires of the Historic West End.”

Said Charlotte City Council member Malcolm Graham, who represents District 2: “This funding will go a long way in creating and developing community enhancements that will benefit many local families.”

The city launched the Beatties Ford Road Placemaking and Public Space Playbook as part of its Corridors of Opportunity program in January. Corridors of Opportunity kicked off with the Beatties Ford Road corridor in September 2020. It is one of six corridors identified by the city for $24.5 million in investment to address gaps in infrastructure, workforce, transportation, housing and code enforcement, business development, public safety and urban design.

The other five focal points are Central Avenue-Albemarle Road, Freedom Drive-Wilkinson Boulevard, Graham Street-North Tryon Street, Sugar Creek Road-Interstate 85 and West Boulevard.

Residents identified the space around the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library as a top priority for placemaking in February. Specifics to look for will include landscaping, stormwater garden, outdoor classroom, art and stetting options, as well as a connection to the nearby bus stop. The space will be co-created and designed by community members, the city and library, which maintains and establishes programming.

Other Corridors of Opportunity projects along Beatties Ford Road include Access Charlotte, Alternatives to Violence and the Beatties Ford Road Parallel Bike Boulevard.

“Public spaces play a key role in building more engaged and connected communities,” Charles Thomas, director for Knight’s Charlotte program said. “Knight’s investment in the City of Charlotte will expand accessible public spaces and amenities in the Historic West End designed by and centering residents, ensuring a more connected and vibrant corridor.”

 

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