See Uptown Through a New Lens

March 19, 2021

We’re sharing photos of the city from some of our favorite QC Photographers in a series sponsored by Charlotte Center City Partners. In the past, we’ve checked out many local murals with Brooke Brown, and toured visually with the talented Laura Wolff, who is a photographer for the Charlotte Knights and other sports media.

This month, we’re heading out for a QC feast for the eyes with local videographer and visual content creator Kevin Young of The 5 and 2 Project. Kevin is a photographer, videographer and does drone work, and works across many industries and disciplines. We know him best from his instagram profile HERE.

All photos & text by Kevin Young, Owner & Chief Content Creator of THE 5 AND 2 PROJECT, LLC

Uptown Art & Architecture

The Grand Bohemian Hotel opened in August on 2020, and has one of the best unobstructed backdrops of the southern half of Uptown. Take a family picture there with some soft lighting, and check out the cool piece of art. Want to know what the name of it is? You’ll have to visit to find out!

Further West on Trade, in front of the Trademark Building is a very cool piece of art by Sally Rodgers named “Zygos” which is Greek for joining together in balance, teamwork. Get down on your back and check out the art looking straight up, and see how it complements the building so well.

Feeling adventurous? Head North on Poplar and you’ll enter Fourth Ward and you’ll run into the Bagley-Mullen House, a National Register-listed historic property which is the home of Made To Last Tattoo Shop. Did you know? 36% of Americans between the age of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo.

When you think of murals, South End and NODA come to mind, but Uptown has some great murals too. One of my favorites is still the one on the Innervision Building (artist: Hoxxoh) across from the Spectrum Center, home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Have you seen them lately? They’re bring the BUZZ back and having a great season.

Scavenger Hunt Time. Can you find all 30 globes? Yes, there are 30 scattered around Uptown, each 5 feet in diameter, and designed by a different artist. Here’s one in front of the Charlotte Ballet. How about that building?!?!

I love seeing Woodies Auto Service still serving customers in Uptown since 1963. There may be a day where they give way to a high-rise condo but not yet. I even found a way to make their signage look way bigger than the Truist sign on the Hearst Tower.

Parks

A favorite spot for photographers is First Ward Park completed in 2015. This 4.6 acre park sports a very cool fountain in between UNC Charlotte Center City building and Imaginon. Here’s the video from above:

Spring is here and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Head West on Fourth Street to Third Ward and take a stroll in Frazier Park to see some beautiful trees, in the 16.5acre park. Take a moment to walk through ‘Our Children’s Memorial Walkway’ and see the sculptures of children at play.

Head back into Uptown by hopping on a scooter, they’re EVERYWHERE. But be careful and watch for fast moving cars!

How about a ballpark? Across from Romare Bearden Park, you can enjoy watching the Charlotte Knights minor league baseball team. The season opener is on April 6th so get your tickets now.

And of course, if a minor league ballpark is too small for your liking, head on over to Bank of America Stadium. Want to get inside before football or soccer season? Register to get your COVID-19 vaccination and walk right on in.

Not a park right now, but wouldn’t it be cool if the city transformed the intersection of Trade and Tryon into a city park? There aren’t many cars driving on it right now!

It’s been a long day…. Head to the light rail at 7th Street Public Market and catch it North to UNCC or South to Pineville. But before you do, grab something tasty inside whether it’s a cold beverage, a pastry, pizza, açaí bowl and more.

Uptown from All The Angles

Being a skyline photographer, I love finding different angles of Uptown in different neighborhoods, at different times of the day. Enjoy the views of our beautiful Queen City. Like what you see? I post skyline shots weekly and you can find them on my Instagram page @The5and2Project.