OUR PROJECTS
The AquaTree
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AQUATREE ECOSPROUT
JOIN OUR KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
WHAT: Incubating and accelerating an organization that is bringing an innovative consumer oriented aquaponics product to market.
HOW: Our Local is providing structure, guidance, staff, connection to meaningful partners, and funding along with other necessary resources that align with Our Local’s mission.
GOALS:
~ Accelerate market entry.
~ Enable business growth and market acceptance and adoption.
~ Promote awareness and re-connection to chemical-free, fresh foods, and nutrition.
~ Promote education and awareness of sustainable, water-efficient, food production methods.
RESULTS TO DATE: The AquaTree product has completed final design and production and proudly enters the market along side our Kickstarter campaign – years ahead of its original trajectory. AquaTree is developing numerous partnerships that recognize the product’s ability to educate people about sustainable, water-efficient, food production methods and promote nutritional awareness while connecting people to nutritious chemical-free food.
The Varnadore Project
UPDATE 7/20/2020: This project is fully funded! Along with 2 successful rezonings and designating the building as a Historical Site. However, we are still experiencing delays residing within the NCHPO. We encourage you to reach out to your state representative to help move this project forward.
WHAT: An initiative to redevelop properties at the corner of Independence Blvd. and Albemarle Road, cumulatively known as the Varnadore Property et. al.
HOW: The project would aspire to establish a campus-inspired and community-oriented business platform that would include: a cutting-edge, eco-friendly biotechnology research and development center focused on aquaponics, an aquaponics-based grocery garden where people could pick their own produce, community engagement spaces, educational environments (with programming accessible by the community), a 45,000 sq. ft. mixed use tower (the Varnadore Building) with an integrated LED technology component, featuring art, sponsorship, community and grass-roots communication, plans also include retail elements, a restaurant/cafe, a holistic health and wellness center, and an internationally supported, fully programmed, business incubator and accelerator that aligns education and real world training programs. The LED installation would be something new for Charlotte and would not mimic a traditional billboard. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful asset that is a necessary component to the project since it serves as a community binder and economic component that fuels an entire ecosystem.
STATUS: Ongoing
The viability of the project will remain under continual assessment as permitting, code, and zoning guidelines are fully determined. Filing for a re-zoning or other action will not be attempted until two requirements have been met:
- The local community, the City of Charlotte, and Mecklenburg County must fully demonstrate that they desire the project. This requirement will be met through a petition that is currently circulating and letters of support.
- It is determined that the project will not deteriorate because of zoning and permitting issues. This requirement is currently being held under close scrutiny since existing code, zoning, and permitting guidelines do not have language to address the project’s unique components.
COMMUNITY RE-ZONING MEETING – MAY 11, 2017
PART 1/3
PART 2/3
PART 3/3 – COMING SOON
ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT THE VARNADORE PROJECT:
Eastland Mall Redevelopment
PHASE 1 COMPLETE
WHAT: Supported the launch of a grass-roots, community oriented, redevelopment initiative targeting the Eastland Mall site in Charlotte, NC.
HOW: Our Local provided consulting and community organization services, film documentation, and financial support; bringing together government organizations, business owners, community residents, and interest groups. Working in partnership with the Latin American Economic Development Corporation, Pritzker Prize winner, Alejandro Aravena was brought to Charlotte to work with community stakeholders to find a good workable solution to revitalizing the distressed property and surrounding community.
GOALS: Phase I
~ Garner support from stakeholders.
~ Develop a socially oriented, problem solving, economically viable, community informed and supported vision for the site.
~ Provoke investment interest, involvement, and future action.
RESULT: Mission accomplished for Phase I
East Corridor Redevelopment
ONGOING
WHAT: To redevelop and recycle a depressed and crumbling property asset into a productive and meaningful community asset.
HOW: Currently, Our Local is reaching out to its partners, surrounding residents, and relevant stakeholders to gain valuable input on how to best transform a decayed property into something that would be desirable and economically viable.
GOALS:
~ To improve the property by using an attractive, sustainable, and socially responsible business model.
~ To promote and otherwise physically manifest the vision of Our Local.
RESULTS TO DATE: A target property is now under contract and community outreach has started.
100 Gardens
ONGOING
WHAT: Growing and promoting the mission of 100 Gardens: To use aquaponics as an platform for experimental learning and sustainable means of food production for the future.
HOW: Currently, Our Local is providing guidance, staff resources, and connection to meaningful partners along with other necessary resources that align with Our Local’s mission.
GOALS:
~To grow 100 Gardens as an organization and expand it’s impact, reach, and abilities.
RESULTS TO DATE: 100 Gardens is developing new meaningful partnerships, connections, and other valuable resources that will allow the organization to accelerate its evolution and fuel its growth.
OUR PETITION
Concerning the Varnadore Building and Surrounding Property
THE VARNADORE LETTERS
See what Charlotte’s community leaders have to say about our Varnadore initiative.
OUR SUPPORTERS
