The Urban Eddy | Exterior-Dusk View

After completion of Carmella Jarvi’s The Urban Eddy project, it took time for Dimensional Fund Advisors’ new building to be completed. Because of cranes and other construction in South End, Charlotte, the artist had to be patient about getting these exterior shots. (Good thing too… because Charlotte’s Urban Design Center changed their exterior branding to something new in December 2020!)

It was worth the wait to get these shots. (Mitchell Kearney Photography always captures Carmella’s glass and installations in their very best light!)

When she originally pitched her idea for a neighborhood micro-grant, this building was sitting empty and this part of South End was feeling a little abandoned. (The light rail line and the Rail Trail were there… as was some development.) Because of this, Carmella Jarvi proposed an idea that would activate this former Trolley Museum whether on foot, in a vehicle, or whizzing past on light rail.

At the time she proposed the plan for scaling her water glass into huge translucent vinyl rounds to help transform that area, she had no idea of the plans in motion for that building or the high-speed growth of that area in just two years.

Now, that former Trolley Museum (Charlotte has a rich history with Trolley lines and the development of neighborhoods and industry) is the City of Charlotte’s Department of Urban Design and a hub for the South End neighborhood.

View from Rail Trail… and if one’s light rail car was waiting for passengers.

All Images by Mitchell Kearney Photography.

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the South End life, with public transportation, free public art and other amenities?

Another great view showing plenty of seating, space for walking, running, exploring, and play. Jarvi’s design activates all three sides of the Powerhouse Studio building. (Cameo of the artist enjoying the vibe.)

No public art project is really complete without info about the piece! (This photo courtesy of the artist.)