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The Design Center of the Carolinas (DCC) is comprised of an innovative mix of showrooms, studios and offices with resources and services catering to the greater design industry. The three-building complex is versatile enough to accommodate space needs ranging from 1,300 to 20,000 square feet, and progressive enough to include everything from high-end trade showrooms to high-tech design companies. The DCC is rapidly becoming a focal point for the design community in the two Carolinas.

Located in the heart of Historic South End, just one mile from Uptown Charlotte, the DCC continues to attract design-related businesses with its unique architectural amenities and its convenient location. The South End Design District currently houses over 100 design-related businesses, a number of which are located in the DCC.

A Vibrant Present
In addition to office/showroom/studio space, the DCC offers several unique venues for workshops, continuing education programs and special events. Special events include activities to support emerging artists and to address hunger while providing job training for area residents. These events include the Children's Arts Festival and Boogie Woogie Ball, sponsored by the Community School of the Arts, the Camden Square Village Artist Market, and the Camden Square Village Pig Pickin' (see the Events page for more information about DCC special events).

MECA Properties commissioned original works of art for the DCC that celebrate both the area's heritage and the transition that is occurring in the community.

The original artwork includes:

• Charette, by local artist Ben Parrish and architect Harry Schrader in the Courtyard of 101 W. Worthington Ave. This approximately 10-ft. tall, stainless steel sculpture was inspired by the 19th century Parisian artist cart.



• The Water Towers, paintings by Thomas Bontempo, in the lobby of the Courtyard building (101 W. Worthington Ave.).



• New Foundation, by Charlotte artist Laura Sutthoff, which covers the 4,000-sq.-ft. floor of the 127 W. Worthington Ave. atrium.



• Transition's Embrace, a two-ton, approximately 12-ft. tall metal sculpture in the grass courtyard in front of 1930 Camden Rd. by the late Blowing Rock artist Jerry Clemens.



• An abstract mural by Suzanne Ervin of Charlotte in the rear entrance foyer of the 1930 Camden Road building.



• A medallion in the center of the Camden Rd./Worthington Ave. speed table by Tim Breiding, president of Breiding Advertising in Charlotte.

MECA Properties received the 2001 National Business in the Arts Award (New Initiative category), sponsored by the Business Committee for the Arts and FORBES Magazine, for support of the arts. In addition, MECA was a recipient of the 2000 Governor's Business Award for exceptional support of the arts.

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