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Sneak Peek Of Gantt Center

By Steve Crump - bio l email

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -  There was an important sneak preview in Center City Charlotte Tuesday.

The new Harvey B. Gantt Center on South Tryon opened its doors to some of the curious and members of the media.

It's four stories, and takes up more than 43 thousand square feet.

Word came Tuesday that it's being finished on time and on budget, but what it offers the community may be priceless.

It was Harvey Gantt's day to welcome to people to the new Center City Building that bears his name.

" I'm humbled, grateful, and honored," Gantt said.

And not to say a little nervous, considering that opening day is 11 days from now.

The official meet and greet that came complete with tours of the three galleries that includes a new home home for the highly regarded Hewitt collection.

Purchased by Bank of America a decade ago, it's worth more than a million dollars.

When Harvey Gantt moved to Charlotte in 1965, there were no black architects.

The idea of an African American Mayor seemed out of reach, but he's hoping the building that now bears his name will be used to teach the lessons of tolerance."

Gantt said, " I see children of all races coming here and having an appreciation of what diversity means and what this building can teach them."

Lessons coming from a teacher who has spent a lifetime of walking the talk.

WBTV has partnered with the Gantt Center to create a one hour documentary titled...Triumph on Tryon...the making of Gantt Center.

It is being produced and hosted by our Steve Crump and will air on October 28th at eight o'clock.