Grants are the building blocks for most projects - after all, you gotta have money before you get to thinking too big. This week, we learned that Charlotte Center City Partners' project, the Charlotte Rail Trail, has received a $412,000 grant from ArtPlace America - a collaborative of national and regional foundations that's coupled with donors and institutions to provide grants for city projects, which shape communities with artistic and cultural assets.

Charlotte was the recipient of one of 55 grants awarded for 2014. (Woo hoo! Go Charlotte!) But, that's not all. They also received an additional grant of $20,000 from Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Foundation for the Carolinas.

So, what does this mean for the Q.C.? It means we're getting the money to make things happen (*fingers-crossed* Here's hoping for even more!). Those planning the Charlotte Rail Trail - a 3.3 mile trail that will connect neighborhoods like Sedgefield, Southside Park, Brookhill, Dilworth, Wilmore, South End to Uptown - want it to be comprised of public art. They are currently prepping for a number of different projects (temporary and permanent) to be implemented by one artist who will spearhead and assist in guiding other artists in their commissioned works.

According to Charlotte Center City's website, the Rail Trail vision is that it "will become the place to discover cafés and bars, explore galleries, see artists at work, stumble upon an impromptu concert, stroll with your family, or relax on a bench and watch the city come alive around you." Now, doesn't that sound nice?

Watch the vid below for a glimpse at the Charlotte Rail Trail project: