ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center | Charlotte

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is a children's library and theater located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

This facility serves as a dual-purpose venue for educational and performing arts activities for young people.

Visual Characteristics

The building features a modern architectural design with a facade primarily constructed from glass and steel. Its exterior is characterized by clean lines and geometric shapes, with a prominent glass atrium that allows natural light to penetrate the interior spaces. The structure stands at approximately three stories in height.

Location & Access Logistics

ImaginOn is situated at 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, approximately 0.8km East of the city center. Access is via I-277 E, taking exit 1E for US-74 E/Trade St. Parking is available in the adjacent ImaginOn Parking Deck, accessible from 7th Street. Public transport options include the Lynx Blue Line light rail, with the 7th Street Station located within a 0.2km walk. Several bus routes also serve the uptown Charlotte area, with stops near the center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

ImaginOn was constructed through a public-private partnership, with significant contributions from the city of Charlotte and the Mecklenburg County Library system. It opened in 2005. The building was designed by the architectural firm Gantt Huberman Architects. Its purpose was to consolidate library services for children and teens with a dedicated performance space for the Children's Theater of Charlotte.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits designed for children. The facility houses a dedicated children's library and a teen library. The Children's Theater of Charlotte offers scheduled performances. Educational workshops and programs are regularly conducted. Access to computers and digital resources is provided.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on all floors. Indoor seating areas provide shade. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the building. No on-site food vendors are present, but dining options are available in the surrounding uptown Charlotte area.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays during library operating hours offer less crowded conditions for exploration. Weekend afternoons can be busier due to scheduled performances and programs. For optimal lighting for photography of the exterior, late morning or early afternoon is recommended.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature of ImaginOn is its integration of a library and a theater, a concept designed to foster literacy and creative expression simultaneously. The building's design incorporates elements intended to spark imagination, such as a large, central staircase that resembles a treehouse.

Nearby Landmarks

• Discovery Place Science (0.3km West)
• Mint Museum Uptown (0.7km Southwest)
• Romare Bearden Park (0.5km West)
• Spectrum Center (0.6km Northwest)
• Levine Museum of the New South (0.4km West)