James Wilder Irvine

February 15, 2017

Inquiry on Gentrification in Plaza Midwood

Over the past five-to-ten years many of the Charlotte arts communities have

completely shifted dynamics, due to gentrification. Gentrification can be defined as

the renewal of a specific area due to the influx of middle-class residents, which

displaces the lower-income residents. A prime example of a neighborhood currently

at the peak of the changes the gentrification causes is Plaza Midwood. In the recent

years Plaza Midwood changed from an art community that was primarily lower-

income residents to a hub for young professionals.

The rising property values is Plaza Midwood have threatened the existence of

what defined the neighborhood as an arts community. About two years ago a

nationally known Recording Studio known as Reflection Sound Studios closed its

doors for good. Several months later the building was torn down to build rather

expensive condominiums. Many incredible works of music came out of Reflection

Sound Studios; such as R.E.M.s first two albums and many of Grammy winning R&B

singer Anthony Hamiltons recordings. Refection Sound Studios is where I trained

and worked as a recording engineer for eight years of my life, its where my love of

music was defined.

As well as the physical neighborhood changes, the influx of young

professionals has created a massive divide in the community. Since the young

professionals started moving into the neighborhood many of the neighborhood

community members had to leave because they were not able to afford their rising
rent costs. As well as artist having to leave the arts community, the influx of new

money has lead to rising crime rates. As many of the community members of Plaza

Midwood will explain; the crime rates are not rising but rather stayed the same. The

rational behind the crime staying the same is because there is now money to take

from the new high-income members of the community. Similarly the crime in the

neighborhood is being reported on significantly more because it affects high-

income, privileged individuals.

Plaza Midwood has changed specifically from the way it used to be and the

changes in it directly affect the local music scene and the distribution of local art. The

more these venues and bars shut down the larger the possibility of local music

disappearing. Many musicians and artists are in danger of losing the place they have been

able to call their home. No arts community can exist where artists cannot afford to live.