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

Zoom out: The library is expected to accelerate this corner of Uptown's metamorphosis. It's right next to the newly renovated Carolina Theatre.

• 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

If you're on the hunt for a new job, here are 7 to get you started.

• Accounting Assistant at Fisher P.A.
• Senior DevOps Engineer at Old Well Labs.
• Development Manager at Jane's Fund.
• Youth Activities Counselor at Charlotte Country Club.
• Maintenance at Charlotte Latin School.
• Environmental Scientist / Phase I ESA Specialist at Atlas Environmental Inc.
• Associate Director of Annual Giving at Davidson College.

Want more opportunities? Check out all openings on our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

💼 440 South Church Street — a 388,657-square-foot Class-A office tower at the intersection of Uptown and South End — has sold to the original developers, Charlotte-based Trinity Capital Advisors, in partnership with New York-based Town Lane. (CBJ 🔒)

• Currently 47% occupied, the building will undergo an immediate $20 million renovation, including the street-level retail.

🗝️ The new owner of the Hooters building in Uptown is seeking a new tenant to fill the space on West Trade Street. The restaurant closed abruptly last summer. (CBJ 🔒)

💆‍♀️ Wholistic Rebirth, a massage studio, is opening in Camp North End this November. The studio will be on the ground floor of Kinship West, the district's new apartment community.

🍽️ Ace No. 3 and Krazy Curry are now open in Uptown.

🚧 The Iron District's first permits have been filed, calling for a six-story, 278-unit apartment building and 24,333 square feet of retail on a 4.2-acre site. (CBJ 🔒)

Sr Manager - Loyalty Program at Lowe's Companies, Inc.

• Company overview: Lowe's grew from one small-town hardware store in North Carolina to one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world. Then and now, its committed to helping homeowners, renters and Pros improve their homes and businesses.
• In this role: Responsible for the successful launch, execution, and optimization of strategic initiatives that support Lowe's loyalty programs—MyLowe's Rewards and MyLowe's Pro Rewards.
• Must-have: 6-8 Years CRM and Loyalty experience and 3-5 Years People Leadership experience.

Interested? Apply here.

A new 18-hole disc golf course is now open in Ballantyne.

Why it matters: "Crash Course" is the latest in a growing lineup of amenities drawing companies back to the reimagined Ballantyne.

Zoom out: The expanding list now includes national chains like PopUp Bagels (newly opened), community beehives, microtransit and, come this winter, ice skating.

If you go: The course is off Lower Avenue between North Community House Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

• It takes about 90 minutes to play and is designed for all levels.