Enlarge Jewelry designer Darrell Roach works at Area 15 in Optimist Park. Photo by James Willamor.

Posted: December 29th, 2009 Greg Lacour

Crossroads Charlotte occasionally spotlights individuals or groups who are improving the city's social capital.

Area 15 is a combination small business incubator, warren of artists’ work spaces and work of art-in-progress. Occupying a 23,000-square-foot former furniture storage building on North Davidson Street, Area 15 started five years ago when artist and counselor Carlos Espin and his interior decorator wife, Arlene, decided their low-income Optimist Park neighborhood needed a catalyst for business and creative growth. So they bought the building and began leasing space – for artists but also for other small business ventures. Today, Area 15 houses several artists and businesspeople, including a furniture maker, exotic jewelry shop and real estate office, along with four nonprofit organizations and plenty of artwork. Area 15 also works with a firm that mentors prospective small business owners. More space is available; see the Area 15 Web site.

Why they do what they do? “Just helping people is what I and my wife have been about for 25 years, and this is just the latest way,” Carlos Espin says. “During harder times like this, folks want to be surrounded by supportive people, and that’s what we do.”

What's next? A possible coffee shop, Not Just Coffee, in the building. The Espins are working out the details with its prospective owner. They’re also planning a “double dish” potluck party at Area 15 on New Year’s Eve, with drinks provided by Counter Culture Coffee.

Click here for more of James Willamor's photos of Area 15.

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