LED lights illuminate the Duke Energy substation on North Tryon Street

North Tryon Street near the University City Walmart just got a colorful new look between dusk and dawn. At the request of University City Partners, Duke Energy recently added multicolored illumination to its large substation just south of Shopping Center Drive.

“They look best the later and darker into the evening it gets!” said Catherine Grella, who represents public engagement for Duke Energy’s Transmission division.

Color-changing LED lights are programmed to illuminate the North Tryon Street substation nightly from dusk to dawn. The lights currently go on about 5:30 p.m.

The best spot for seeing the lights is on the sidewalk directly in front of the substation, Grella says. LYNX riders will also get a great view, especially as the north-bound trains crest the University City Boulevard bridge.

Display can be customized

The substation during daylight hours (Google Maps photo)

The new light display should not get boring. Engineers can program the lights to create custom colors for specific events, such as green for Charlotte 49ers home games and pink for breast cancer awareness, Grella says.

University City Partners is working with Duke Energy to create special lighting schemes to mark major holidays and events.

Darlene Heater, executive director of University City Partners, said University City is fortunate to have Duke Energy as a major employer. “Thanks to Duke Energy for gifting us this illuminated art for our community to enjoy during the evening hours,” she said.