CHARLOTTE | Duke Energy Center | 764ft | 48 fl | Completed

[QueenCityDrag]

does the bechtler look like eastland mall b/c there aren't really renderings for it yet? i got high hopes for that one

[rickydavisfan21]

Unfortunately that is at least the preliminary rendering for it.

[uptownliving]

Bob indicated that the Bechtler went in a totally different direction before they came to this cube design. He also stated that there has a been a lot of value engineering going on to bring this all into budget since Wachovia will be responsible for any overruns.

[prongz]

Originally Posted by Dale

A poster on UP claims that he knows for a fact that the tower is around 725'.

The forumers at UrbanPlanet have determined the height of the tower.

[UrbanMyth]

Originally Posted by Dale

I like the fact that it has a convenient handle and can be carried anywhere.

LMAO! Reminds me a Chinese take out box!

In any case, I like that it appears to be all glass - Charlotte needs a building that isn't clad in stone.

[uptownliving]

Originally Posted by prongz

The forumers at UrbanPlanet have determined the height of the tower.

Yes that was a great find by atlrvr... 764ft 1"

http://ww.charmeck.org/Planning/Rezo...04th%20rev.pdf

City Council will vote on this rezoning on Monday. It looks like it will pass with no problems.

[RiversideGator]

Originally Posted by skysdalimit

Have fun waiting then, because neither BofA nor Wachovia will ever relocate, if they merge, the HQ will most likely stay in Charlotte, and neither of the banks are able to be bought out due to their strength in total assets. Your first post was just unnecessary - you brought no insight into this thread. I don't mind criticism, heck, I'm not even totally amazed with the architecture of this building, but you should've said something more insightful than "yawn". That is why you got the response you did. Thank you for being rude and worthless.

Not to belabor this point, but I wanted to respond. I personally dont have anything for or against Charlotte. The thing that annoys me is the overweening arrogance which some of its boosters display on the various development sites. I wish Charlotte well and hope this new building looks great. I personally prefer more traditional skyscrapers, of which there is a dearth in Jacksonville too. I have criticised many a project in my hometown too, so it isnt personal.

As for the banks, I was not the one who first mentioned banking in relation to the city, but it is possible to foresee Wachovia merging with Wells Fargo and the HQ being moved to California (like Bank of America in reverse) and/or Bank or America moving its HQ to NYC. Are either one of these scenarios likely at this time? No. My point simply was that corporations dont always stay around forever so it is best to enjoy it, but not be arrogant. So, good luck Charlotte. I wish you well.

[Carolina Blue]

Well we’re on our way now. I seem to recall some talk in the news about how it was unlikely this bill would be looked at this year. This is great news, let’s bring on the renderings!!!!

House Approves Rental Car Tax Increase

POSTED: 10:17 am EDT July 13, 2006
UPDATED: 2:35 pm EDT July 13, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Mecklenburg County can raise its rental car tax under a bill approved by the House on Thursday over objections from some of the region's Republicans.

The legislation, which passed 76-37 and now goes to the governor, was originally written to make technical changes to state tax laws. But the Senate added a provision that would allow Mecklenburg County to boost its rental-car tax from 11 percent to 16 percent.

In short General Assembly sessions, lawmakers usually do not pass local tax increases unless all members of the district support the proposal. Four Mecklenburg representatives opposed the bill.

"This bill has not gone through the process of open and transparent government," said Rep. John Rhodes, R-Mecklenburg.

The money from the tax is designated for transportation projects. However, Charlotte could then use money it usually spends on transportation for museums and arts projects.

Rep. Martha Alexander, D-Mecklenburg, said the money would help support a "wonderful public-private" renovation of Discovery Place.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/9510733/detail.html

[Colonel Cadillac]

Personally, I thinls its good that it is shorter than BoA. I was afraid of a thousand foot Libeskind monstrosity, so this conservative late modern style building is a pleasant surprise. Plus, who would complain about a 700 footer

[Carolina Blue]

Well details continue to trickle in…


Posted on Mon, Aug. 14, 2006
Hmm, what would be 'Boardwalk'?
JEFF ELDER

...Wachovia (the slightly smaller, slightly nicer bank) will soon release sketches for the Bechtler Museum of Art, part of the bank's hot new arts project. This Bechtler building at First and Tryon will be the only building in America, according to Wagner, with an entirely terra cotta exterior. "Smooth, like a clay pot on your back porch," he said. The lines of the building, which will house contemporary art, are clean and sharp, like a cube.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlot...s/15268458.htm

[Rufus]

On UP they recently showed the proposed AACC, Bechtler, Mint, and theater drawings as part of the arts package. they were shown on slideshow at the recent city council meetings. the drawings drew oohs and ahhs from the audience and council members.

unfortunately i dont have the knowledge or capabilities to post the images or the link, so if anyone can, that would be beneficial to all. gracias

[TarheelsCubs]

I can do it this weekend if nobody else has.

I'm surprised nobody has done it yet though. Where are all the Charlotte people at? This is huge news, and should be on the front page.

Nascar tower was approved this week as well.

[Carolina Blue]

Here are the renderings that were presented at the City Council meeting this week. The gentleman who spoke mentioned that they will more than likely change some. In particular he noted that the Betchler would ultimately have a more “open” look.

But these are incredible. I can't wait to see the tower and the condos.

Afro-American Cultural Center




Betchler Museum




Mint Museum




Performing Arts Theater

[Rufus]

oh yea forgot about the NASCAR Tower being approved. They have said that the tower will resemble the one in the renderings of the HOF. Some of NASCAR's operations will most likely relocate there. This is not going to be the new HQ for NASCAR, however. Still, pretty good news for Charlotte and 2nd Ward, which desperately needs development like this, mainly mid-rise to small high-rises.

[Justadude]

For the most part I like the renderings a lot. The AACC reminds me a bit of 7th St. Station in terms of visual impact. I think this whole thing is really going to transform people's perceptions of what's available Uptown. Between this and the NASCAR HoF opening a couple of year down the road, the tourism market's going to take a big step up.

BTW, the big hole in the ground has gotten considerably deeper in the past couple of weeks. It's like a mini-Epicentre crater.

[Rufus]

the AACC's design is a reflection of the Jacob's Ladder concept and the quilts that were used to send messages during the undcerground railroad. the Mint's design and the Auditorium were the only ones under scrutiny at the meeting. both made it through, but the architect did say the design of the Mint has changed to include more windows along the curvy wall on the side. either way this is a vast improvement for the Charlotte tourism and entertainment/cultural scene.

[Style™]

indeed. those are some rather cool renderings.

i like how everything is different and not looking the same. i was kinda worried that things would all look the same and reflect some same 'theme.' i'm very glad to see that is not the case.

i cannot wait until this project starts to come out of the ground.

[CLTNC]

New Wachovia Tower is now up to 48 floors.

[Colonel Cadillac]

Is this thing under construction? What's with all the secrecy? I hate being 'that guy' who asks for updates but brings nothin to the table, but this tower's development is beyond weird.

[Cosmoboy]

Wachovia Tower


New Condo Tower

Yes, this tower(s) is under construction.