Charlotte’s Bank of America Plaza is will soon receive $20 million in renovations to expand and renovate its lobby and improve its exterior facade.
The building at the southeastern corner of the Trade and Tryon streets, will get a new and expanded lobby and exterior facade.
Construction is set to start this month, and is planned to wrap up in the first quarter next year. of 2017.
“Bank of America Plaza has long been one of the city’s iconic buildings,” says Rhea Greene, partner and director of leasing at Trinity Partners and the building’s leasing agent, in a news release. “This renovation will notably enhance the tenant experience, further cementing Bank of America Plaza as one of Charlotte’s most respected Class-A towers.”
The building’s current ground floor is made up of black, reflective glass that doesn’t allow passersby to see into the building. The renovations will add four new retail spaces totaling 20,000 sq. ft. Increasing the amount of retail uptown has become a key goal of booster groups, which hope to continue diversifying uptown from being primarily an office and entertainment district.
“Charlotte center city is enjoying a retail revival and this project underscores the desire for more retail space,” Michael Smith, CEO of Charlotte Center City Partners, said in a statement.
REDLINE Design Group has been tapped for the renovation design.
“We have created a more pedestrian-friendly area with smaller shop fronts, outdoor seating areas, and a new, extended main building entry to engage the public plaza,” says lead designer Richard Boswell.
The building is currently 92 per cent occupied, with the largest vacancy at 43,326 sq. ft, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.