Charlotte Skyline by Cody HughesCharlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA)
Charlotte was originally founded in 1768. Since then, there have been three major periods of growth, the first was during Charlotte’s gold rush (1799-1849), the second was the building boom of the 1920s, and the third started in the late 80s and still continues today.
The Duke Energy Center. Built in 2009. 786.5 ft tall. 48 floors high. Arguably one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in the city, this structure also lights up in different colors every night to create a unique light show.
Hearst Tower. Built in 2002. 659 feet high. 46 floors tall. With art-deco panache extending from its lobby design all the way through its exterior facade, Hearst Tower upped the character and class of Charlotte's skyline.
One Wells Fargo Center. Built in 1988. 588 feet high. 42 floors tall. Nicknamed "The Jukebox" for its rounded top, the center represents Charlotte's first postmodern high-rise and was North Carolina's tallest building from 1988 to 1992.
Bank of America Corporate Center. Built in 1992. 871 feet high. 60 floors tall. This structure is Charlotte's tallest building and has been cleverly dubbed "The Taj McColl" a nod to the former Bank of America Chairmen, Hugh McColl. The 60 floors pays tribute to Queen Charlotte's 60-year reign as Queen of England.
Charlotte Skyline by Cody HughesCharlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA)
Carillon Tower. Built in 1991. 394 feet tall. 24 floors high. The copper roof spire is shaped like a bell tower, making the neo-Gothic ediface a standout. The buildings architecture and name (a carillon is a musical instrument often found in the bell tower of a church) were both inspired by the historic First Presbyterian Church located across the street.
Written by Michael J. Solender
Photography by Cody Hughes