If Buildings Could Talk

The Executive Director of Corporate Workplace at Ally Financial, as well as the Senior Director of Development and Director of Design from Crescent Communities join John and Kelly as they discuss one of Charlotte's most transformative mixed-use developments that encompasses a full city block in Uptown Charlotte.

A Marine Corps Veteran joins John and Kelly, as she shares her meaningful story of how the Veterans Transition Center played an integral role in easing her transition into civilian life. We'll hear from representatives from Veterans Bridge Home, the Carolina Panthers, and Lowe's on how they partnered together to create the Transition Center to be a space designed to honor the service of our veterans while providing them and their families with the resources needed to support them as they become successful and thriving leaders in our community.

The Pfeiffer University Center for Health Sciences, located just outside of Charlotte, is preparing future healthcare workers and instilling in them a passion for providing high quality healthcare in our rural communities. The Founding Chair and Program Director, a student from the Physician's Assistant Program, and the Director of Facilities join John and Kelly to discuss how the Center is positively impacting the community of Albemarle and contributing to the economic growth of the town.

Aria Tuscan Grill is one of the longtime great restaurants and pioneers of fine dining in Uptown Charlotte. The proprietor of well-known Sonoma Restaurant Group, Aria's general manager, and a couple who dines at the restaurant every weekend, join John and Kelly to discuss how Aria resulted from a major renovation over a decade ago and has played a role in adding to the vibrancy of our city.

The First Tee of Greater Charlotte is making a difference by using golf to teach the game of life. Two First Tee participants as well as the organization's Director of Operations and the former Executive Director join John and Kelly to share how the values and skills learned through golf can help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life.    

The Executive Director of the Department of Art, Design and Music, a construction manager, and two passionate college students join John and Kelly to discuss how Queens University of Charlotte completely transformed an aging facility into the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement – a place for students, faculty, staff, and the Charlotte community to enjoy and appreciate the arts.

The Warlick Family YMCA started as a strategic vision that ultimately played a significant role in uplifting and moving forward the community of Gastonia. A Board Member, Executive Director, and YMCA enthusiast join John and Kelly to share how the building created as sense of renewed hope and fellowship for the entire community.

A world-renowned doctor and six-time cancer conquerer join John and Kelly to discuss The Levine Cancer Institute, recognized as one of the top cancer centers in the nation for its patient-centered approach and experience mapping process designed to ensure the highest quality care.

A school principal and eighth grade student join John and Kelly to discuss Renaissance West STEAM Academy, a PreK – 8th grade school part of an innovative neighborhood redevelopment initiative aimed at improving economic mobility and ending intergenerational poverty.

The Director of the Department of Community Resources and an Army Veteran join John and Kelly, where they share the benefits of having many community resources all under the roof of the Valerie C. Woodard Center in West Charlotte.

A family joins hosts John Komisin and Kelly Thompson, where they share their emotional story about their children’s medical emergency and how they were served by the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte during that time.

Are you interested in the design of the buildings that provide the unique backdrop to our city, understanding the backstories of the goals that drove the design, and powerful stories from the users?  You’re in the right place!  Join hosts John Komisin and Kelly Thompson as they explore the untold stories behind buildings in our own backyard and how the design of these spaces impacts the lives of individuals and the success of our city.