Sneak peek: Uptown's $137M, five-story delayed library
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Construction is progressing, though behind schedule, on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's five-story Uptown branch at 6th and North Tryon streets. The $137 million flagship location is now slated to open in spring 2027, later than the 2026 target.
Why it matters: The main library — a free, critical community resource — has been closed for four years now. Once reopened, leaders expect a million visitors in the first year, making the 115,000-square-foot branch a major Uptown destination.
Driving the news: Project leaders gave reporters a tour Friday of construction progress on the first two floors. Caitlin Moen, library director, attributed the delay to meticulous work necessary to ensure the building's longevity.
- "This iconic building is something that's not been built before," Moen said. "As we try to bring this vision to life, but also ensure that 50-year lifespan, we are doing our due diligence."
Zoom in: Moen said the features reflect what community members said they wanted in their modern library, including:
- 15 meeting rooms for two to 40 people
- A 225-person, top-floor event space
- A reading room with views
- A courtyard and two outdoor terraces
- Lowe's Technology Lab with public computers and two laptop dispensing stations with 12 laptops each
- The Bank of America Opportunity Center, offering resume assistance, digital skills training and job support
- A parking deck, built and financed by Mecklenburg County, at the corner of 7th and College streets
Between the lines: The main library is geared more toward adults, since ImaginOn, the flagship children's and teen library, is two blocks away.
Catch up quick: Mecklenburg County provided $72.33 million for the project. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation still has $8 million to raise in private support to cover the remaining $65 million.
- The construction is on the same site as the original 1903 Carnegie Library. Mecklenburg County's first free library was rebuilt in 1956, renovated and expanded in 1989, and torn down in 2023 to make way for this modernized version.
Zoom out: The library is expected to accelerate this corner of Uptown's metamorphosis. It's right next to the newly renovated Carolina Theatre, which is now hosting movie nights and large speaker events.
- Mecklenburg County had planned a major overhaul of the land surrounding the library, but the master developer for the public-private redevelopment, called Seventh and Tryon, backed out.
- The county isn't seeking a new master developer anytime soon due to "development market volatility and uncertainty," a spokesperson told Axios.
Take a look around the construction site:
Tryon Plaza
This pedestrian-friendly entrance will have stairs, an ADA ramp, planter boxes, an automated book return, and an exit for the historic Spirit Square theaters.
- A city arborist and consultants helped preserve the site's oak trees, maintaining their roots with concrete foundations.
Lobby
The lobby, shared with the theater, will feature terrazzo site flooring, wood ceilings and a central circulation desk.
The cafe
Accessible through the lobby or a 6th Street entrance, the 2,500-square-foot cafe will have seating and charging along window views of Fifth Street and Tryon.
- The library is currently searching for a cafe operator to sell coffee, pastries, light bites, beer and wine.
Atrium
The core of the building is open, with zigzagging stairs and a skylight that will send natural light down to the lobby.
- Some areas around the atrium will feature laptop bar seating, looking down.
Terrace
This second-story outdoor space will be open to the public.
- "It was really important to the community that we have free, accessible outdoor spaces where we can take in skyline views," Moen said.
