Groundbreaking on $20M economic development hub near old Eastland Mall site

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Expanding job and economic opportunities are both part of the proposed Mecklenburg County budget.

One of the newest economic opportunities will be in east Charlotte. That’s where a groundbreaking ceremony took place Thursday for Spark Centro. It’s the newest workforce development hub for the city. The plan is to re-design this large property near the old Eastland Mall to be a place for small businesses to get the support and resources to grow, especially for the Latino community.

Andres Alvarado of Marand Builders says, “It’s an area that needs attention in Charlotte, and there’s a lot of opportunity. There’s a lot of professionals, there’s a lot of individuals in this area that want to grow that and that and that want to have upward mobility, and this park center will give all those residents of this neighborhood an area to do that.”

The $20 million economic hub is expected to open next year.