$25 million gift from Howard R. Levine brings medical school dream to life

With final beams now in place, construction on Charlotte’s first four-year medical school — the Wake Forest University School of Medicine–Charlotte — nears completion. This milestone also marks the completion of phase one of The Pearl, a $1.5 billion innovation district being developed by Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology.

The Pearl is envisioned as a dynamic mixed-use district, blending education, healthcare, research, retail, and residential space. The project, supported by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, will also include affordable housing, public art, and a STEM lab for middle school students, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive community development.

At the heart of The Pearl is the Howard R. Levine Center for Education, a 14-story facility named in recognition of a transformational $25 million gift from the Howard R. Levine Foundation.

This gift demonstrates Levine’s deep commitment to expanding access to top-tier medical education and investing in Charlotte’s future healthcare workforce.

The Center will house not only the new medical school, but also Wake Forest’s School of Business, its new School for Professional Studies, and the Carolinas College of Health Science — establishing it as a hub for interdisciplinary learning and workforce development.

Howard R. Levine, former Chairman and CEO of Family Dollar Stores, is a respected business leader and philanthropist. Through the Howard R. Levine Foundation, he supports education, healthcare, and community development initiatives. He also serves as a Director at Foundation For The Carolinas, furthering efforts that improve the quality of life in the region.

The Pearl’s location in the former Brooklyn neighborhood—once Charlotte’s largest Black community—adds a layer of historical significance. The district includes plans to honor this legacy through art, architecture, and community-focused public spaces. A walking trail will reflect Brooklyn’s history, while local artists will be invited to contribute to the site’s cultural landscape.

Phase two of The Pearl is expected to include a conference center and hotel to support ongoing research and innovation activities. The district will generate over 11,500 jobs in Charlotte over the next 13 years.

Through his philanthropy, Howard R. Levine is not just supporting education—he’s helping shape a more inclusive, innovative future for Charlotte.