Gvest Capital has partnered with Choate Construction Company to break ground on the historic renovation of the Ervin Building. Held on the 57th anniversary of the building’s original opening date on Jan. 26, the groundbreaking ceremony celebrated a new beginning for the historic east Charlotte complex, the contractor says in a news release.
More than 40 surrounding neighborhoods, represented through community associations and the CharlotteEAST advocacy board, came together alongside numerous city officials to support the historic landmark designation for the Ervin Building, Choate said in the statement. “This project is a significant step towards elevating development in the community, while preserving a piece of the area’s history,” the statement said.
“Our team is honored to be a partner in preserving this historic Charlotte landmark,” said Choate Construction vice-president Mark Hughes. “It is a welcome opportunity to restore a piece of the city’s rich history and repurpose it from vacancy into a usable space, offering city views and a place for the community to gather.”
Built in 1964 by notable Charlotte developer Charles Ervin, the Ervin Building was constructed as the first high-rise office tower along Independence Boulevard connecting uptown Charlotte to the suburbs. The building still retains its original mid-century modern design.
After years of vacancy, Gvest purchased the building and performed remediation efforts to make way for interior demolition, providing a fresh space for new offices to be constructed.
dThe exterior of the landmark is preserved, while the interior’s core and shell are renovated to include all new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEPF) systems, as well as a rooftop restaurant. The parking area is regraded, and pristine hardscape and landscape features are added to reflect the local pride and sense of community housed in this piece of history. To illustrate the growth and narrative of the Queen City, a 200-foot mural on the site retaining wall will depict Charlotte throughout the decades.
The Ervin Building is designed by McClure Nicholson Montgomery, WK Dickson, and McVeigh Mangum Engineering Inc. The first phase will be delivered in the summer of 2022, with final completion anticipated in late 2022.