Neighboring Concepts, in association with McAdams, completed the design for Pearl Street Park. The urban park was first opened in 1943 as the first African American park in Charlotte. At the time, African Americans made up one-third of Charlotte, but segregation barred them from using “white” parks. Once opened it served as a place for “Negro Victory Gardens” to support the WWII effort that was promoted by the cartoons of Charlotte born artist Charles Alston. It also served as the athletic fields for 2nd Ward High School’s baseball and football teams. With this history in mind, the design teams set out to create a space that honored the history of the park while also providing a functional and beautiful landscape for today’s community. Neighboring Concept’s designed the Picnic/Restroom facility as well as the Pavilion structure that houses community concerts.