University City in Charlotte, located about 10 miles from uptown, began its growth in the 1960s when the city finally established a public university. UNC Charlotte is considered the focal point of University City, but the region has seen a large number of businesses set up shop in the area as well.
According to universitycityclt.org, city planners “hoped that University City could counterbalance the rapid growth in south Charlotte, which was straining Charlotte’s ability to provide roads, utilities and other infrastructure.”
With investments from IBM and major construction projects like the University Memorial Hospital, University City has grown into the second highest employment center in the city, said universitycityclt.org.
UNC Charlotte’s growth has been parallel with its surrounding area. The major research university enrolls around 26,000 students, has its own Charlotte Research Institute and will begin collegiate football in the fall 2013.
