Reimagining 77 South: a Vision for Repairing and Reconnecting Charlotte
Charlotte has a rare opportunity to rethink one of the most consequential pieces of infrastructure in our city.
What could the I-77 corridor become if it were designed for people, neighborhoods, and the future of our city?
About the Challenge
With the proposed I-77 South toll lane project temporarily paused, Charlotte has a brief window to ask a bigger question: What if this corridor could become something better?
For decades, highways built through American cities divided neighborhoods, disrupted communities, and reshaped how cities grow. I-77 is no exception.
More than 60 freeway caps and similar projects have already been built across the country, with nearly 20 more currently proposed or in development, including cities of similar size to Charlotte, such as Dallas, Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix.
Charlotte now has an opportunity to imagine what this corridor could become.
Reimagining 77 South invites architects, planners, designers, artists, students, classrooms, and community members to submit visionary ideas for the future of the I-77 corridor through Charlotte’s urban core.
The goal is not engineering precision — it is imagination.
What We’re Looking For
We’re inviting ideas that help the public and decision-makers envision new possibilities for the corridor.
Concepts may explore ideas such as:
- reconnecting neighborhoods divided by highway infrastructure
- freeway caps or tunnels that create new civic space
- parks, greenways, and public gathering places
- safer walking and biking connections
- restored access to Irwin Creek
- quieter neighborhoods and cleaner air
- mobility solutions that move more people efficiently
- repairing past harm caused by highway construction
Submissions can focus on a single location or explore ideas for the entire corridor through Charlotte.
Who Should Participate
We welcome submissions from:
- Architects
- Urban planners
- Landscape architects
- Designers and artists
- Students and classrooms
- Community members
- Anyone with a bold vision for Charlotte’s future
Professional experience is not required.
Hand drawings, sketches, digital art, and concept diagrams are all welcome.
Exhibit
Selected submissions will be showcased publicly at:
Future 77: A Vision for Repairing and Reconnecting Charlotte
April 13, 2026
Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City
The exhibit will be part of the event:
How the Cities We Build Shape How We Live
Featuring Charles Montgomery, author of Happy City.
Timeline
March 13
Request for Visionaries (RFV) officially released
April 6
Submission deadline
April 13
Public exhibit and showcase
How to Participate
Step 1
Download and review the RFV.
Step 2
Create a visual concept that communicates your vision.
Step 3
Submit your idea using the online submission form.
Questions about the challenge?
Contact: operations at sustaincharlotte.org