In the early 1970s, Bank of America Chairman and CEO Hugh McColl Jr., and neighborhood activist, Dennis Rash, began discussing cities they enjoyed around the world and quickly determined that the hallmark of these cities was their urban neighborhoods. They set about to create something comparable in Charlotte. What grew from those conversations was a joint venture between Charlotte city government and the then North Carolina National Bank. The bank funded a special city program where urban pioneers could obtain mortgages at very favorable rates to buy and restore properties in Fourth Ward.

The payoff for the risk, imagination and creativity was the re-establishment of a viable, thriving Center City neighborhood. It is also a prime example of a Charlotte tradition that has been one of the secrets of its success. Time after time in the city's history, needs have been identified. Public officials and business leaders have worked together to address those needs. This heritage of successful public-private partnerships has been the envy of many other communities. One needs look no further than Fourth Ward today to understand why.

The Fourth Ward is bound by Tryon St to the East, Trade St to the South, 77 to West, and 277 to the North. Along the edges of the neighborhood stands the most active entertainment district in the city. There are many different elements that make the Fourth Ward a great neighborhood. A few of those elements are the historic homes, the Fourth Ward Park, and the Friends of Fourth Ward.

HIstoric Houses

The Fourth Ward is most notable for the numerous historic houses that line the streets of the neighborhood. With several houses dating back to the early 1900's, there is no lacking of historic homes to be enjoyed by spectators. Many of these homes are showcased during the first weekend of December during the Friend of Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour. For a small fee the public can tour an assortment of houses in the neighborhood and see the character and beauty of these historic homes from the inside.

Friends of Fourth Ward

The Friends of Fourth Ward is the city's largest neighborhood organization whose primary focus is to promote safety and habitability for residents. The Friends of Fourth Ward promotes and pays for the creation of neighborhood art, for community playgrounds, and is responsible for maintaining condition condusive to security and piece of mind.

Fourth Ward Park

Fourth Ward Park is a 4 acre park set in the heart of the neighborhood. Enjoyed by residents for the playgrounds and grassy field, this gathering point of the community is enjoyed by both human and canine alike. Fourth Ward Park is unique in that is surrounded on 4 sides by residential living and is readily accessable by all. This public urban park is a central element of the neighborhood and is enjoyed year around for both recreation and relaxation.

New Developments

Avenue

Citadin

The Garrison at Graham

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