Sparkhouse Uptown Brings a Creative Opportunity Hub to Charlotte Residents

The Juneteenth grand opening ceremony featured spoken word poetry and remarks from young adults reflecting on what the space could mean for emerging talent. 

Powered by Do Greater Charlotte, the facility is designed to give under-resourced youth, young adults, entrepreneurs and creatives access to resources often found through college campuses, corporate networks or family connections, including workspace, tools, mentorship, technology and real-world pathways to turn ideas into income and potential into progress.

“Sparkhouse Uptown represents the next evolution of Do Greater’s mission,” said William “Coach Mac” McNeely, founder and chief executive officer of Do Greater Charlotte. “We have always believed that potential is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Sparkhouse is our way of building the infrastructure that helps close that gap.”

Constructed by DPR Construction, the three-level facility is located inside a historic 1921 automobile showroom. The space is intentionally crafted to move people from potential to purpose, featuring a community coffee shop, entrepreneurial support center, innovation and technology lab, digital studio, screen-printing equipment and showroom. From the beginning, the DPR project team adopted a design-to-build approach, driving greater predictability and confidence in project delivery for the nonprofit organization. DPR also self-performed deconstruction, concrete, doors, frames & hardware (DFH), electrical, framing, drywall and miscellaneous specialties.

“At DPR, some of the most meaningful things we build aren’t measured in square feet, they’re measured by opportunity and impact,” said Zach Pannier, business unit leader at DPR Construction. “We’re proud to have helped bring this project to life alongside community partners creating more than a space, but a place for chance to grow.”

Global Social Responsibility (GSR) is integrated into DPR’s work, advancing workforce opportunities strengthening communities through meaningful community partnerships, supporting trade partners, and driving environmental progress to create lasting impact. 

Sparkhouse Uptown is the result of a broad coalition of community partners, including Wells Fargo, Truist Charitable Fund, the City of Charlotte, Lowe’s, Bissell Ballantyne Legacy Foundation, Gambrell Foundation, Gresham Smith, Center City Partners, Ally Charitable Foundation, Novant Health and DPR Construction. Together, these organizations represent a diverse group of banks, health systems, corporations, foundations and civic leaders investing in the same block, the same building and the same community at the same time.

Sparkhouse Uptown is located at 500 N. Tryon Street in Charlotte.