The Verdant Crown would be made of aluminum foam with small holes for seeds. Rendering: Courtesy of Charlotte Center City Partners/Hood Design Studio
👑 Is Charlotte's crown "cheesy?" That's a question McColl Park project organizers are pondering as they redesign the public square at Trade and Tryon.
Catch up quick: Charlotte Center City Partners is leading the charge to rebuild Polk Park and rename it after banking legend Hugh McColl. They've raised over $8 million for an endowment to cover the design, construction and long-term maintenance.
They recently sought feedback on three potential designs by Hood Design Studio.
Here's what community members had to say about each concept:
Crown Datum: A thin, tall spire and crown-shaped canopy.
People thought the spire would be memorable and easy to maintain. But they questioned whether the crown is timeless, CCCP's chief planning officer Cheryl Myers told the group's board members recently.
Floating Nest: A suspended sculpture of broze trees.
Respondents thought this was intriguing and practical. Many appreciate the reference to Charlotte's history as "the hornet's nest," Myers said.
Verdant Crown: A crown-shaped sculpture that grows plants, like a Chia Pet.
While people like the inclusion of nature, the garden may require too much upkeep. Plus, some suggested the crown is "cheesy," Myers noted.
What's next: A committee will select one scheme. The goal is to start construction by fall so the park is ready by June 2025, McColl's 90th birthday.
