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INSIDE ▼ Ardrey Kell wins soccer title PAGE 4B Friday, June 6, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 23
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Atrium Health celebrates launch of The Pearl CHARLOTTE – The Pearl, a global destination for medical education and research, has officially opened its doors.
The Charlotte-based innovation district was created by a public-private partnership led by Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology LLC. It’s home to the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the North American headquarters of IRCAD, a global network
of advanced surgical training facilities. “We built The Pearl to unlock the next era of clinical breakthroughs by uniting the brightest minds with the most advanced technologies in modern medicine,” said Eugene Woods, CEO of Advocate Health. “It’s where the world’s top medical technology companies will work alongside surgeons, scientists, startups and students from Charlotte’s first fouryear medical school with the
singular goal of finding new treatments and cures. Simply put, it will be a place where excellence lives and excellence is learned.” The district is projected to generate more than 5,500 on-site jobs and more than 11,500 total jobs across the region over the next 15 years. At the heart of The Pearl is the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine. With its first class of students starting in July, enrollment is
expected to increase to 100 students per class over the next five years. “Complete with a stateof-the-art simulation center, we’re reimagining education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine for the next generation of medical professionals,” said Dr. Julie Freischlag, chief academic officer of Advocate Health and CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Freischlag said The Pearl will integrate traditional
learning with real-world experience and community engagement. The Pearl also is home to IRCAD North America, which includes a surgical training curriculum with the latest techniques in cardiovascular, neuro and orthopedic surgeries, all of which are unique to the network. With programs set to begin in September, it’s expected to draw thousands of medical professionals annually. The Pearl will also have
County leaders update Transit System Plan
exhibits that pay homage to Brooklyn, once a thriving African American community that was displaced in the 1960s and 1970s. “This innovation district is a powerful symbol of Charlotte’s commitment to creating opportunities for everyone who calls this city home,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “Not only does it honor our past by recognizing the rich history of Brooklyn, but it also looks to create space for inclusive growth.”
Diorio named 2024 Charlotte Woman of the Year CHARLOTTE – Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio has been named the 2024 Charlotte Woman of the Year as the award celebrates its 70th anniversary.
CHARLOTTE – The Metropolitan Transit Commission voted May 28 to adopt an updated Transit System Plan.
The plan prioritizes the Better Bus program, which includes microtransit. It also details a phased implementation of the rapid transit corridors. The plan represents a major expansion of transit serving the Charlotte region, including a 50% increase in bus service and 43 more miles of rail services. The decision to approve this plan comes after nearly half a year of public engagement across Mecklenburg County. Four scenarios were developed and presented to the public that included the Better Bus program, Red Line and Gold Line extension. The scenarios varied in the mode and length of the Silver Line corridor and the Blue Line extension. “Through our surveys, 93% of participants indicated that more transit options are needed in Mecklenburg County and the time to act is now,” interim CEO Brent Cagle said. “They also highlighted the need for increased frequency and connections to jobs, housing, education and daily destinations. We believe this updated plan meets the needs shared by our
CATS officials have engaged stakeholders in recent years for preferred routes for the Blue Line extension (pictured here) and the Silver Line. CMG file photos
communities, and we applaud the MTC for their continued diligence and support of the communities that we serve.” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said approving the plan is a milestone in the Metropolitan Transit Commission’s shared vision for the future of mobility in Mecklenburg County. “This plan reflects years of collaboration, community input and a deep commitment to building a more connected, accessible, and
sustainable region for generations to come,” Lyles said. The Metropolitan Transit Commissions, which serves as the governing board for the Charlotte Area Transit System, consists of mayors across Mecklenburg County. Matthews Mayor John Higdon opposed the plan because it did not prioritize building out the Silver Line East toward his town. Higdon said the plan ignores “$40 million-plus already spent on the
Silver Line East design and the thousands of hours stakeholders spent determining its preferred route and station locations.” Mecklenburg Commissioner Leigh Altman defended the plan, saying it expands bus service to 450,000 more residents across the county. CATS officials say most of the bus portion of the plan will be implemented over the next five to 10 years. Riders can expect to see improved amenities, increased frequency and additional microtransit zones within that period. The Rapid Transit Corridor System plan calls for the following: • Red Line commuter rail from Charlotte Gateway Station to Mt. Mourne in Iredell County. • Silver Line light rail from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Bojangles Coliseum/ Ovens Auditorium. • Gold Line streetcar extension from Rosa Parks Place to Eastland. • Blue Line light rail extension from I-485/South Boulevard to Carolina Place Mall in Pineville. • Future light rail extensions for Silver Line west to I-485 and east to Matthews and Blue Line to Ballantyne, as funding allows, with enhanced bus service in the interim.
The annual honor recognizes and celebrates a woman who has demonstrated exemplary civic leadership and service. "Dena is a visionary and servant leader who listens, learns and effectively uses her power to positively impact the lives of Mecklenburg County residents,” said Jill Flynn, board chair of Charlotte Woman of the Year. “From supporting and investing in helping people overcome chronic homelessness, to ensuring access to early childhood education through the MECK Pre-K program and more, she joins a legacy of Charlotte Woman of the Year honorees who have been catalysts for the change and positive progress that benefits the well-being of our community." Diorio is the first woman to serve as Mecklenburg County manager and began that role in 2013. Her career in government spans 37 years with 18 being with Mecklenburg County Government. During her time as manager, she: • Launched the MECK Pre-K program to expand services for early childhood development, helping to ensure 4-year-old children are prepared to enter kindergarten and supporting their upward mobility. The program began in 2018 and has served more than 8,000 children. • Led Mecklenburg County through the COVID-19 pandemic. She opened clinics for testing and administering vaccines, served as the incident commander for the public health response and ensured the Story continues, see LEADERSHIP page 3A
Live, work, play Piedmont Town Center has been a destination for two decades CHARLOTTE – Piedmont Town Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025.
The mixed-use destination will host anniversary events throughout the year, including a chance to win a prize package of more than $5,000 if you make a purchase from 13 businesses at the center from June 9 to July 11. “Twenty years ago, Mr. Johnny Harris set out to
create a space that captured the spirit of Southern hospitality and world-class sophistication,” said Christian Shaw, senior property manager. “This anniversary is a tribute to our loyal shoppers, our visionary retailers and the community that has made us a Charlotte landmark.” Before its development, the area where Piedmont Town Center now stands was once farmland, then
Bentley’s, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, Mal Pan and Tous Les Jours are some of the restaurants within the center.
Photos courtesy of Piedmont Town Center
underutilized land within the SouthPark district, Shaw said. Under the direction of Lincoln Property Company (formerly Lincoln Harris), the transformation into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly
urban center is reflective of the growth of Charlotte as a whole: one that blends residential, commercial and recreational spaces. “Over the past two decades, the center has evolved into more than a place to
live, work and play,” Shaw said. “It’s where style meets story, and where locals and visitors alike come to gather, indulge and celebrate.” Hospitality has taken center stage at Piedmont Town Center since the beginning.
Among the highlights: • Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse has been a staple for upscale dining in Charlotte since 2007. Story continues, see PIEDMONT page 3A