Residents of Charlotte's historic Dilworth community celebrated the unveiling of a sculpture that commemorates the founding of Charlotte's first electric streetcar suburb in 1981. General contractor Andrew Roby, a local Dilworth business of 62 years, donated materials and labor to complete the site work and prepare the piece's foundation.
The sculpture, which is titled "Time Line," was created by Asheville artist Robert Winkler and sits on the island at the intersection of Romany and Dilworth Roads between Latta Parks. The piece recognizes the founding of the neighborhood's first electric streetcar line in 1891 by Edward Dilworth Latta.
"We are happy to partner with the Dilworth community to support the arts and help bring this project to fruition," said Trent Haston, chief executive officer of Andrew Roby. "This is a great way to commemorate the founding of Charlotte's first streetcar suburb."
Preserving an important part of Dilworth history, the project used the original train tracks from the neighborhood's old streetcar line, which were discovered along East Boulevard during a road improvement project in 2009.
When the tracks were found under East Blvd., the Dilworth Community Development Association (DCDA) organized an effort to preserve the abandoned tracks by creating the neighborhood's first public work of art. The sculpture was installed Nov. 30. To prepare the site, Andrew Roby dug the footings and poured the concrete foundation after coordinating with community leaders.
Andrew Roby, the premier custom residential contractor in the Carolinas, specializes in remodeling, kitchen and bath renovations, new homes and handyman services. The company was founded more than 60 years ago as a one-man remodeling firm and has grown into the largest in the Charlotte metro area with offices in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Boone and Atlantic Beach, N.C. With fine materials, unsurpassed craftsmanship and commitment to customer service, Andrew Roby produces one-of-a-kind homes that feature style, luxury and comfort. Visit www.andrewroby.com.
In photo: Asheville artist Robert Winkler and Heidi Weilbaecher, Andrew Roby Marketing and Business Development.