North Charlotte is a National Register Historic District located northeast of uptown near North Davidson and East 36th Streets. North Charlotte was unique in that it housed three separate cotton mills which flourished between 1903 and 1975. Once described as the "hard-pumping industrial heart of Charltote," the community functioned as a self-contained village separated from the city of Charlotte by farms and fields.

When artists Paul Sires and Ruth Ava Lyons arrived in 1986, the buildings of North Charlotte were dilapidated and neglected. The couple was captivated by the character of the district, and they purchased and renovated the Old Lowder Building on North Davidson Street, even though many friends thought they were crazy to do so.

With their vision and hard work, Sires and Lyons turned the Lowder Building into the Center of the Earth gallery, the first element of what is now known as NoDa, the North Davidson Arts District. The couple went on to renovate more than ten storefronts and mill houses throughout the community.

Others followed with rehabilitations that include the Historic Hand Pharmacy Building (now a restaurant and office space), the Johnston Mill Building (converted into apartments), and renovations of many old mill houses. The once abandoned North Davidson Street is now the heart of this eclectic Charlotte arts community, housing a cluster of art galleries, restaurants and music venues.

Paul and Ruth Ava's pioneering efforts served as the catalyst for the revitalization of the Historic North Charlotte neighborhood and its transformation into a cultural community. The couple continues to operate the Center of the Earth gallery here, and they continue to promote the area through a variety of events, including the monthly gallery crawl.

Historic Charlotte is pleased to present the 2003 Preservation Award to Paul Sires and Ruth Ava Lyons for the renovation of the Lowder Building and their pioneering efforts in the revitalization of Historic North Charlotte.

More on Paul Sires and Ruth Ava Lyons can be found at www.centeroftheearth.com.