CAMP North End is nestled right outside the circle of skyscrapers that comprise Uptown Charlotte. Next to the fast-paced, modern business world, the 75 acres making up the site are a stark contrast. If you stop by now, it’s mainly abandoned warehouses dating back to the early 1900’s. But an incredible revival process is underway.
The location’s unique architecture inspires awe, capturing the history written inside it’s walls. It’s story begins in 1924, when the site was owned by Henry Ford. The physical space was specifically designed to hold an assembly line on which Model T’s were originally built. This called for open spaces, which are larger than a New York city block. Huge paneled windows let natural light pour in. This was extremely innovative at the time, as assembly lines were a fairly new concept, and allowed the cutting edge car manufacturing technology to flow smoothly. The water tower, a current symbol of the site, was essential for steam power. Ford used the same power technology that the Titanic operated with. This explains the pipes winding through the ceilings today.
CAMP North End
During WWII, the United States Army moved onto the property. Serving as a quartermaster’s depot, anything needed for training camps were processed here. These were strategically placed across the nation near railroads. The two wooden buildings on the site today were built to conserve steel.
As the Cold War progressed, the Army used the facility to build missiles, and this is how CAMP North End earned its name: Charlotte Army Missile Project (CAMP). Missiles were produced throughout the years, until the Cold War came to an end. Until now, the land has been owned by a variety of companies, including Rite Aid.
This January, ATCO bought the space and began to revive it. Instead of destroying the existing warehouses, ATCO thought it important to preserve them due to their history. Varian Shrum, the community director, said, “This property has such a beautiful physical space. It was an opportunity to reimagine what the buildings could be.” With that, ATCO began a 20-year project.
Currently in stage one, the company calls it “the Activation Stage;” A space has been designed by a well-known landscape designer, Alex Smith. The goal was to transform the now public space to be comfortable, inviting, and charming.
ATCO has invited many local artists and the public to take part in creating this space for themselves. Local spray paint artists have created works of art on garage doors lining the main space. They hope the community will take ownership of the property, which is part of the reason they haven’t done a lot of advertisement. They want CAMP North End to be known by word of mouth, ensuring those who visit will appreciate and preserve the location.
Although a hidden gem, the site is quite active. Every Friday night until the end of October, there’s a music festival with food trucks, local artists, and small shops. It’s dog friendly, and a wide range of people attend. Individuals can use the space for events or parties with permission.
By Ashton Gerlach
A long neglected historic property, CAMP North End, is being transformed to be an integral part of our community.
ATCO is hoping to connect better with high-schoolers. Oftentimes, teenagers don’t have many places to meet friends or just hang out. The company knows school is stressful, and wants to create a space where kids can relax and build community. Shrum wants CAMP North End to be a place where teens feel comfortable coming. It’s a unique opportunity for high-schoolers to have their own space. If you’d like to visit, go to 1824 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206 anytime. Everyone would be excited to welcome you.
AROUND TOWN
The sun setting behind CAMP North End's central location: the water tower. Image courtesy of Varian Shrum.
The Charger, December 2017
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