Uptown is Downtown

Most people, when they first come to Charlotte, are confused by the use of “uptown” and “downtown” to refer to the center city. Typically, cities refer to their center business district as “downtown.” Is “uptown” different than “downtown”? Not in Charlotte.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Story,on February 14, 1987, Charlotte’s newspaper, The Charlotte Observer, stopped using the term “downtown” to refer to the center city, and started using the term “uptown” as a way to help civic leaders promote the upbeat, positive attitude of the Queen City.

I think this was a wise move on Charlotte’s behalf. As a young and growing city, it needs to stand apart from all the other established cities out there, such as Atlanta. “Uptown” makes Charlotte sound sophisticated and established while also sounding unique and hip.

Has Charlotte started a new trend? What other cities are following this lead?

By: Jessica McGrail