Case Study: The Ritz at Washington Heights (Washington Heights, North Carolina)
July 20, 2024 by Summary: The site of the Ritz at Washington Heights in Charlotte, North Carolina is a creative, culturally significant, family-orientated, cafe-style park that has implemented creative placemaking aspects such as a performance shelter, outdoor movie theater, public art exhibits, and more. The city collaborated with the residents for their input on the project. The 0.17-acre property, which once housed the segregation-era Ritz Theater, is now a special place for community members to gather. The vacant lot was transformed into an education and entertainment hub—intended to strengthen the Washington Heights neighborhood. Culturally significant aspects include a colorful, picturesque mural on permanent display by a local artist, Makayla Binter, and inspirational words by distinguished African-Americans line the walls of the park. Funding Includes: $200,000 from Lowe’s 100 Hometowns Initiative Grant awarded, $25,000 from the Washington Heights Neighborhood Association, $50,000 contribution from the City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity Program. Bibliography: