Cornelius NC is in the fast-growing area north of Charlotte.  A large textile mill had been built in the early 20th century in the middle of town, right on Main Street.  After it closed the town decided to hold a design charrette in 1998 to determine the best use of the property.  The charrette generated a great deal of interest in creating a true town center.  The decision was made to demolish the mill, build the new town hall shown here and construct a downtown with more retail and “on the street” liveliness.