You are here

Views of the City

Performing Arts Centers

Long before television, most Americans relied on traveling theatrical companies to come through their city and perform for two weeks or more. The Trust Building housed the Academy of Arts on its second floor.  Designed by Hook and Rogers, the building itself opened in 1902 at 210-212 South Tryon Street.  It featured a beautiful, ornamental pediment on top which was typical of  the Beaux Art style which was popular at that time.

YMCA in Charlotte

 The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Charlotte started on November 11, 1874. It moved into this stunning gray building at 206 South Tryon Street in 1888. The YMCA remains here until 1908 when the second YMCA, the building in the second image, opens at 330 South Tryon Street.      

Trolley Ride to Adventure: Lakewood Park

On May 9, 1909  an article appeared in the Charlotte Observer announcing the opening of Lakewood Park, an amusement park on May 15th.  Located about 3 miles northwest of Uptown Charlotte, the lake & dam were originally created by the Southern Power Company  to cool the power transformers. It measured 600 feet wide and 3,960 feet long.