[RockHillJames]

As it's long been rumored on UP and other sites, Trump has indeed set his sights on Charlotte: Here's the link in today's Charlotte O http://www.charlotte.com/109/story/67036.html

Sources (that have been pretty accurate so far) say that the project will either feature two or three towers of mixed sizes with floor counts in the 40 - 80 story range. A few people have said flatly that if the project goes forward Charlotte will have a new tallest.

Sounds like from the article that a Trump International may be part of the project as well.

Since we don't have many details so far, I'd like to ask those forumers from New Orleans, Tampa, and Atlanta how the Trump projects have gone so far. Any ideas on what we can expect?

[Jordan84]

I was expecting one tower, not several...

Anyway, I do hope one them tops out in the 70-80 range..If this comes to fruition,Charlotte's Skyline is going to become very tall. I think trump, from what i hear is building on the same side of town as the new Wachovia tower(which is in the 750-800 foot range)..that will be a very "tall" side of town..

PLEASE, NO TACKY LOGOS ON THIS TOWER!!!!

[atlantaguy]

James - If it's for real, expect a big, splashy announcement from the Donald himself. He will give a date for a press conference which will not happen until a couple of months after he said it would - THEN you will probably get more detail.

He also likes to time things around those "Wealth Building" seminar thingy's he conducts around the country. If you see any ads for an upcoming one in CLT, he will probably at least hack out a sound bite or two as a teaser while he's in town.........

[g-man435]

This is such big news that Donald Trump could lose his hair over it: http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/03/29/people.trump.haircut.ap/index.html :haha:

[jobe]

I'm suddenly having flashbacks to Trump Tampa.

Would he just sell his name on this one like in Tampa and Atlanta - or would he intend to have his company develop it?

[atlantaguy]

jobe - Not sure if he is just selling his name here. I believe he's actually doing a joint venture with Wood Partners, but I could be wrong.

[RockHillJames]

This one sounds like it would be his company doing the development along with several partners, not just selling naming rights. Something else is going on along with this, it seems that the other shoe hasn't dropped yet.

[jobe]

You sure can't blame him for selling his rights, but it sure does have more meaning when he's actually involved. Like in Tampa and Atlanta, it really means no more than any other high-rise development - just with his name on it. I give the guy credit.

[RockHillJames]

I thought he was developing the Atlanta one, am I wrong on that one?

[jobe]

He's not doing it. A group called Wood partners and Dezer development are doing it.

[slinkster65]

I wouldimagine if trump ever did his own here in Atlanta it would be Buckhead...

[smArTaLlone]

:previous: Not necessarily. There was a report that Trump wanted to build on a site intown (can't remember the location) but locals convinced him that the location wouldn't work.

[shanthemanatl]

My bet is that it will not be a single supertall, but rather two more modest towers in the 40-50 story range, very similar to the Atlanta project.

[Coin]

Members of other message boards that seem to be "in the know" are hinting that this project is aiming to be a 'supertall', but even if the more modest plan is chosen the primary tower would still be in the 60 story range.

[holladay]

wouldnt it be hilarious if trump charlotte was taller than trump atlanta. bet that would piss some people off...

[scguy]

Nah, I doubt anyone would really care. Id hope he would do one taller than the 40 some odd floor proposed in Atlanta anyway.

[RockHillJames]

Why would that piss anyone off?

Honestly, if you're the type of person that gets mad because someone builds a tall tower...you need help.

[holladay]

ok, so obviously no one cares. which is a good thing. apparently i was just wrong.

[PremierAtlanta]

ok, so obviously no one cares. which is a good thing. apparently i was just wrong.

Yeah, you were wrong...but that's okay. We all have been wrong a few times in our life. As an Atlantan, my main concern is not how tall the building is but rater what does said building do for the urban environment.

If this rumor is true then I am happy for Charlotte. There is enough development for all southern cities. :banana:

[akiatl261]

:previous: Totally agree. The things happening in Atlanta and Charlotte are truely awesome. Many cities would kill to have a fraction of the growth or skyline of both of these cities wether they admit it or not.

[RobMidtowner]

So where's the rendering already? :hyper: :eeekk: :ahhh:

[Coin]

Supposedly there are already 3 proposal renderings out there, but nobody has been able to sneak them onto the Internet yet. Usually Charlotte forumers on these boards are pretty good about getting the skinny on stuff like this way before it breaks anywhere else, but nothing yet.

[Dale]

^ What have Charlotte forumers done for us lately ? Come on! Get the lead out! ;)

[RockHillJames]

Again, most renderings do sneak out...just not on this forum.

[ScreamShatter]

I love his building in Chicago; personally, I hope he gives Charlotte a new tallest, or maybe even 2 new tallest...;-) Ya never know...the demand for office space is there.

[CLTNC]

On UP one condo tower in the 70 story range and a hotel.
Information out in about 60 days.

[SouthParkGuy]

There will have to be a office component piece along with it. There is no way there wont be with the way the office vacany rate is so incredibly low here. However if you also read UP they lude to it being some german banks filling in the office component.

[rickydavisfan21]

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/images/foster.gif

here are the two towers together, wait is that a third tower???????????
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/family/images/bpic.jpg

When they said Trumps Son, they never said which one, Mr. Barron Trump born March 20th, 2006, I believe is the head guy on this project, Donald is trying to start him early.

Just pokin some fun, I am skeptical after the toronto project being scaled back, and the tampa project getting cancelled tho, we'll see.

[kickazzz2000]

There will have to be a office component piece along with it. There is no way there wont be with the way the office vacany rate is so incredibly low here. However if you also read UP they lude to it being some german banks filling in the office component.

That person also said that the banks looking (As well as Goldman) weren't necessarily tied to this project. Didn't say it outright wasn't, but didn't say it were.

[Style]

Just pokin some fun, I am skeptical after the toronto project being scaled back, and the tampa project getting cancelled tho, we'll see.

those are related to different reasons.

i'm 100% sure this one will happen in some way.

[Dale]

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/images/foster.gif

here are the two towers together, wait is that a third tower???????????
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/family/images/bpic.jpg

When they said Trumps Son, they never said which one, Mr. Barron Trump born March 20th, 2006, I believe is the head guy on this project, Donald is trying to start him early.

Just pokin some fun, I am skeptical after the toronto project being scaled back, and the tampa project getting cancelled tho, we'll see.

SSP scoops UP! Who woulda thunk it ?

[Coin]

People "in the know" are speaking so strongly of this project, it is coming across as a done deal. I can't wait to hear the official announcement.

[RockHillJames]

The banner ad at the bottom of the thread for me is currently the Trump Baja.

Man is that company going through a building boom!

[Coin]

To add to speculation, a new condo tower was just announced...a 40-story tower with a price tag of $10 million...a real ritzy one. Could this be one of the two rumored Trump towers?

http://www.charlotte.com/295/story/105899.html

[RockHillJames]

Sounds like it might be a description of the Wachovia condo tower, but the floor count isn't right.

Hmm.....

[jobe]

The banner ad at the bottom of the thread for me is currently the Trump Baja.

Man is that company going through a building boom!

Yes and no. Yes becasue their name is on everything. No because more times than not, they just sell the name to a development company and incur little-to-no risk.

[Coin]

Sounds like it might be a description of the Wachovia condo tower, but the floor count isn't right.

Hmm.....

Wachovia was already announced. This is a new project per the article. Furthermore, the wachovia condo wasn't going to be this upscale. This is VERY upscale, and there are only 99 units.

[skysdalimit]

Speculation is that this might be the Westin condo tower planned on top of the parking deck beside the hotel. Very exclusive.

[Coin]

Speculation is that this might be the Westin condo tower planned on top of the parking deck beside the hotel. Very exclusive.

That makes sense too, although I never thought it would be that upscale.

[Coin]

Well well well, there it is:

http://www.onecharlotteresidences.com/

[urbanscraper]

Well well well, there it is:

http://www.onecharlotteresidences.com/

very nice! I must say im jealous :)

[BANKofMANHATTAN]

Well well well, there it is:

http://www.onecharlotteresidences.com/

Nice.

Any guesses on the height of 1 Charlotte? (40 stories = _____)

I couldn't really tell from the render on their page...

[atl2phx]

nice looking tower. way to go charlotte!

[skysdalimit]

Well the Westin is 293 feet. This tower looks about as twice as tall from the picture, but I'd say looks can be deceiving. If I had to estimate, I would say One Charlotte would be roughly 500 feet. Not a bad hight. It kind of reminds me of Austin's Frost Tower.

Here is the link for One Charlotte. Just keep in mind that this is in no way related to Trump.

http://www.charlotte.com/485/story/106717.html

[ScreamShatter]

Wow...I really really really like this one. The top of it is awesome. I can't believe how much development is going on this side of town! It's crazy!

[ScreamShatter]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Uptown/newcharlottediagram.jpg

http://www.corderphilips.com/pr/onecharlotte.jpg

There are some of the renderings posted on UP.

I can't believe how much development is going on in Charlotte. After all of this is done...Charlotte will definately have one of the most beautiful skylines in the US.

[GThomas]

Here is the link for One Charlotte. Just keep in mind that this is in no way related to Trump.

http://www.charlotte.com/485/story/106717.html

It's fun to see all the projects going on in Charlotte, and there seem to be plenty of Charlotte forumers. Someone should create a Charlotte Development Thread. Would be nice to see a compilation of all the projects.

[shanthemanatl]

Well the Westin is 293 feet. This tower looks about as twice as tall from the picture, but I'd say looks can be deceiving. If I had to estimate, I would say One Charlotte would be roughly 500 feet. Not a bad hight. It kind of reminds me of Austin's Frost Tower.

Here is the link for One Charlotte. Just keep in mind that this is in no way related to Trump.

http://www.charlotte.com/485/story/106717.html

I'd guess a bit taller due to the crown. I wouldn't be surprised if this one pushed 600 ft.

[skysdalimit]

I'd guess a bit taller due to the crown. I wouldn't be surprised if this one pushed 600 ft.

600 feet would be nice. I like to take a conservative estimate so I won't be disappointed in the end. :)

[Kenzie]

What a cool looking building. I hope Charlotte gets this.

[ScreamShatter]

It's fun to see all the projects going on in Charlotte, and there seem to be plenty of Charlotte forumers. Someone should create a Charlotte Development Thread. Would be nice to see a compilation of all the projects.

I tried doing a Charlotte Development Thread last summer, but it didn't hold. UP is just much better for charlotte forumers.

[Coin]

It's fun to see all the projects going on in Charlotte, and there seem to be plenty of Charlotte forumers. Someone should create a Charlotte Development Thread. Would be nice to see a compilation of all the projects.

Here is a quick rundown. This list isn't complete, but it'll give you an idea of what Charlotte is up to...

Wachovia 48-story office tower
Bank of America 32-story office tower
Two Ten Trade 49-story condo tower
Vue 51-story condo tower
One Charlotte 40-story condo tower
Novare 39-story condo/hotel tower (Twelve project)
300 South Tryon 32-story mixed use tower
300 South Tryon 14-story attached condo tower
Avenue 35-story condo tower
Novare 29-story condo tower (Twelve project)
Novare 33-story office tower (Twelve project)
Trademark 28-story condo tower
The Park 21-story condo tower
Ritz Carlton 17-story hotel
Novare 16-story office tower (Twelve project)
NASCAR 16-story office tower
Aloft 15-story hotel
Royal Court 13-story condo tower

Those are the taller ones. There are oodles and oodles of lowrise projects in the works, including:

The Citidan
Court6
Enclave
Drakeford 8th St. Houses
M Street Condos
Piedmont Court Hope IV Redevelopment
The Tower Condominiums
Epicentre
Skybox
1st Row Warehouse
NC Music Factory
UNCC
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Furman's 7th and Mcdowell Village
"West End"/Coffee Cup Beazer Development
Arts Campus (Theatre/Bechtler/Mint/Wake Forest MBA/AACC)
Warehouse:3
The Piazza
Third Ward Warehouse District
Merryland Mixed Income Apartments
Furman 7th and Alexander Townhomes
Skybridge Terrace

Add to this list the rumors of Trump adding a 70-story and a 35-story tower to this list, and you can see why it's an exciting time to be a Charlotte forumer.

[Coin]

I probably shouldn't have included Royal Court. That's in Dilworth, just outside the 277 loop. There are a number of midrise projects on the fringe of Uptown, including a nice one in Elizabeth:
http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/experience-charlotte/Liz_Ave.JPG

and Midtown:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y240/Mobuchu/Charlotte/Metropolitan/5-17-06024.jpg
(courtesy of Mobuchu at www.urbanplanet.org)

[rickydavisfan21]

Citidan I 10 stories
Citidan II 10 stories
Citidan III 25 stories
Citidan IV 25 stories
Wachovia Condo 42 stories
Spirit Square Tower 30 stories
Berkman Theatre Charlotte Project (restructuring for a hotel) 25+ stories (maybe 35)
Spectrum Tower TBA 20+ Stories
Lodge Works Sierra Hotel 15 Stories.
Ghazi Tower W morehead tower. 20+ stories.

[holladay]

I'll be interested to see whether they can sell enough units in One Charlotte to get it off the ground. $150 million construction cost and $1.5 mil starting price could be a tough sell.

But like Doug Smith said today, there will be a race between Portman and Trump. I don't think the market is big enough to support two luxury towers yet. Maybe I'm wrong. I guess only time will tell.

[Coin]

^It's hard to believe, but they've had people studying the market and they seem to think the market more than supports this first tower. Does it support both this AND whatever Trump has planned? Who knows. We'll just have to wait and see.

[LouisianaCharm]

i understand the excitement.........and i dont wanna rain on anybody's parade, but if trump builds in charlotte, he might as well build in nashville, san antonio, or louisville. i honestly dont see this happening.

[Schertz1]

i understand the excitement.........and i dont wanna rain on anybody's parade, but if trump builds in charlotte, he might as well build in nashville, san antonio, or louisville. i honestly dont see this happening.

If N.O. can support Trump, every city you mentioned can also. It is a bit presumptuous of you to believe N.O. – barely a second tier city- is better positioned to support Trump than Nashville, Charlotte, or San Antonio. Where have you been for the last ten years?

[Coin]

i understand the excitement.........and i dont wanna rain on anybody's parade, but if trump builds in charlotte, he might as well build in nashville, san antonio, or louisville. i honestly dont see this happening.
It would be easy to attack this comment, but I don't want to do that. I simply want to know the logic of your point. From what I've read, it makes a LOT of sense for Trump to invest in Charlotte. As mid-market cities go, Charlotte's center city land is remarkably affordable. It is also obvious that the Charlotte condo market is booming. On top of that, Charlotte's hotel capacity is low so there is a need for that too. Add to that the fact that Charlotte has the second lowest office space vacancy rate in the nation (only behind D.C.). Then consider that Charlotte is a banking center with an above average number of rather wealthy bankers, and Charlotte as a market continues to grow well above average.

What reasons do you have to think Trump wouldn't be interested? you are aware that Trump has openly confirmed that he is actively shopping for land in Uptown, right? This isn't just speculation.

[RockHillJames]

Trump's not just shopping, he's closed on the land.

Expect renderings and announcements in the next 30 days. The Portman announcement might actually speed up his plans.

[Coin]

He closed on the land? I hadn't heard that. Is that 'inside information' or has it been reported? If so, link?

[SouthParkGuy]

no its been stated on UP its definately under Trumps name now.

[RockHillJames]

I think there still may be one parcel that's not closed on yet, but the majority of the site is under his company's control.

[Coin]

I think there still may be one parcel that's not closed on yet, but the majority of the site is under his company's control.
Per Doug Smith's blog Trump's kids are checking out the city right now (enjoying the Wachovia Championship) and then they plan to wait and see how Portman's tower does.

[TSmith]

If N.O. can support Trump, every city you mentioned can also. It is a bit presumptuous of you to believe N.O. – barely a second tier city- is better positioned to support Trump than Nashville, Charlotte, or San Antonio. Where have you been for the last ten years?
I think Louisiana Charm is saying, minus the tact, is just what Trump himself said when he announced here in N.O.... that he builds in cities where his international clientel request him to. In his words... destination cities with an international draw. He expects that most of his N.O. units will be purchased by people who simply want a condo in New Orleans. I don't think many local New Orleanians will be living in Trump Tower. And, he's already taking deposits and reservations... 60%+ as of two months ago. I'd guess they're closing in on 80%. Charlotte may have that... who knows? I say congrats if true.

[Coin]

I think Louisiana Charm is saying, minus the tact, is just what Trump himself said when he announced here in N.O.... that he builds in cities where his international clientel request him to. In his words... destination cities with an international draw. He expects that most of his N.O. units will be purchased by people who simply want a condo in New Orleans. I don't think many local New Orleanians will be living in Trump Tower. And, he's already taking deposits and reservations... 60%+ as of two months ago. I'd guess they're closing in on 80%. Charlotte may have that... who knows? I say congrats if true.

Tact makes a world of difference. Thank you. Well we're going to find out if Charlotte is up for this or not. Apparently Trump's clientel recommended Charlotte because he's already bought most of the land for the project...sounds pretty serious. We'll just have to wait and see how the Portman tower sells.

[LouisianaCharm]

It would be easy to attack this comment, but I don't want to do that. I simply want to know the logic of your point. From what I've read, it makes a LOT of sense for Trump to invest in Charlotte. As mid-market cities go, Charlotte's center city land is remarkably affordable. It is also obvious that the Charlotte condo market is booming. On top of that, Charlotte's hotel capacity is low so there is a need for that too. Add to that the fact that Charlotte has the second lowest office space vacancy rate in the nation (only behind D.C.). Then consider that Charlotte is a banking center with an above average number of rather wealthy bankers, and Charlotte as a market continues to grow well above average.

What reasons do you have to think Trump wouldn't be interested? you are aware that Trump has openly confirmed that he is actively shopping for land in Uptown, right? This isn't just speculation.

im not trying to bash charlotte, because i think charlotte is fine city, but there are things that charlotte doesnt have that other cities on trumps list do. now will charlotte have those things in the future, i think so, but they dont have that "international appeal" as of yet. im not trying to compare n.o. and charlotte, because they are apples and oranges, and attract different types of people, but new orleans has that flair for tourism. majority of the people buying into trump n.o. will likely not be here, but just like the appeal of the french quarter or garden district, or downtown. just like many of the people that buy into trump chicago, atlanta, toronto, vegas, dubai, etc. these cities have attractions and probably with the exception of atlanta (which will prob. be there soon) are 24 hour cities. charlotte, im sure has attractions, entertainment, and arts, but i dont see it on the national or global scale. there is no french quarter, or michigan ave, or times square, or strip, or miles of beaches. im not trying to bash charlotte, but tourism, major conventions, high profile events (i.e. super bowl, all star games, etc.), and worldwide attractions are one element that all the cities have. now i think he may have bought land in charlotte, and is waiting on the market to ripen (sp) and then announce a project, just as i think he is doing with dallas (although i think the dallas project is prob. gonna come much sooner).

i think charlotte is a great place, and dont take that as a bashing, just look at it as constructive criticism.

[Coin]

im not trying to bash charlotte, because i think charlotte is fine city, but there are things that charlotte doesnt have that other cities on trumps list do. now will charlotte have those things in the future, i think so, but they dont have that "international appeal" as of yet. im not trying to compare n.o. and charlotte, because they are apples and oranges, and attract different types of people, but new orleans has that flair for tourism. majority of the people buying into trump n.o. will likely not be here, but just like the appeal of the french quarter or garden district, or downtown. just like many of the people that buy into trump chicago, atlanta, toronto, vegas, dubai, etc. these cities have attractions and probably with the exception of atlanta (which will prob. be there soon) are 24 hour cities. charlotte, im sure has attractions, entertainment, and arts, but i dont see it on the national or global scale. there is no french quarter, or michigan ave, or times square, or strip, or miles of beaches. im not trying to bash charlotte, but tourism, major conventions, high profile events (i.e. super bowl, all star games, etc.), and worldwide attractions are one element that all the cities have. now i think he may have bought land in charlotte, and is waiting on the market to ripen (sp) and then announce a project, just as i think he is doing with dallas (although i think the dallas project is prob. gonna come much sooner).

i think charlotte is a great place, and dont take that as a bashing, just look at it as constructive criticism.

No, you're right. Charlotte is what it is. It's a city on the verge of becoming all the things you're describing, but it's not there just yet. I don't know if it's in Trump's nature to get in on the 'bottom floor' before a market goes bigtime, but that's what appears to be happening here. That's a lot of land to buy just to sit on until the city "ripens".

IMO Trump thinks the city has already "ripened", but he'd like to see the Portman project act as proof of such. If Portman's project takes off, Trump's project will follow closely thereafter.

[RockHillJames]

Charm, to a point you're right, but Charlotte also has things that NO lacks. While the primary client of Trump's project in NO will be tourists (much like the Vegas projects) the primary client of the project in Charlotte will be high-end executives. Charlotte is already home to two of the largest banks in the country and headquarters to six other F500 companies.

There have been persistant rumors for some time now that Goldman Sachs and/or Deutsche Banc will be relocating units to Charlotte. Trump's project could act as a home for one or both of the units, since this project will contain an office component as well.

Trump's wunderkind said themselves that their organization moves pretty fast. I still say we'll see renderings in the next 30 days.

[holladay]

^Yeah, 'tis true. Charlotte is a haven for new-money yuppie types. For a city its size it is probably attracting a disproportionate share of MBAs, IBs, finance lawyers, etc.
Naturally this trend is fueling both the suburban and intown housing markets. In some ways it is remaking Charlotte into the perfect Republican corporate enclave. I'll be interested to see how the local culture of Charlotte changes as time passes. I anticipate that the city will gradually become a little more staid, even if it eventually has lots more things to do.
I don't mean to make a slant against Charlotte. I'm just voicing an opinion as someone who grew up there and still cares about the future of the city.

[RockHillJames]

Sounds to me like you're letting your own bias fuel your perception of the city. I can say that from my point of view, Charlotte is beginning to get more culture and vibe to it now than it's had in a long time. I moved up from Columbia in 93 and Charlotte was way behind Columbia when it came to local flavor. That's changed now.

[CenterCity]

^Yeah, 'tis true. Charlotte is a haven for new-money yuppie types. For a city its size it is probably attracting a disproportionate share of MBAs, IBs, finance lawyers, etc.
Naturally this trend is fueling both the suburban and intown housing markets. In some ways it is remaking Charlotte into the perfect Republican corporate enclave. I'll be interested to see how the local culture of Charlotte changes as time passes. I anticipate that the city will gradually become a little more staid, even if it eventually has lots more things to do.
I don't mean to make a slant against Charlotte. I'm just voicing an opinion as someone who grew up there and still cares about the future of the city.

In regards of what you have to say about how Charlotte is on the verge to becoming more Republican because of how pro-business Republicans are, I totally don't agree. If these Republicans are the likes of Mayor McCory and John Lassietter, the city will continue to develop its culture in an inviting and spontaneous way as the city is ever so diversifying. The prominent Republicans in Charlotte are more moderate and support the arts with the except of one or two on the City Council. It's the Republicans on the County Commission that seems ultra-conservative and anti-progressive. Even with relocating Northerners, not all of those relocating from Upstate New York are always Republicans, if they are I can't imagine any of them being anything more than a moderate. The City Council is heavily Democratic that they can always override a Republican mayor's veto and the mayor himself is a moderate Republican.

[Coin]

In regards of what you have to say about how Charlotte is on the verge to becoming more Republican because of how pro-business Republicans are, I totally don't agree. If these Republicans are the likes of Mayor McCory and John Lassietter, the city will continue to develop its culture in an inviting and spontaneous way as the city is ever so diversifying. The prominent Republicans in Charlotte are more moderate and support the arts with the except of one or two on the City Council. It's the Republicans on the County Commission that seems ultra-conservative and anti-progressive. Even with relocating Northerners, not all of those relocating from Upstate New York are always Republicans, if they are I can't imagine any of them being anything more than a moderate. The City Council is heavily Democratic that they can always override a Republican mayor's veto and the mayor himself is a moderate Republican.

Yeah, that's about right. Charlotte isn't the conservative-dominated hotbed that outsiders think it is.

[holladay]

OK, sorry guys. I didn't know I was going to set something off with that comment. I'm acutally a native Charlottean. I lived there 20 years but haven't spent much time in the city during the last 5. Maybe the local culture has gotten better since then and I'm just off-base. I guess the major trend that causes my concern is that the intown market is increasingly geared towards wealthy yups. I was looking at houses in NoDa on the internet recently and even they are selling for $400k+. Now with luxury towers going in uptown it seems that the city is becoming more exclusive, possibly at the risk of diversity. Sure the metro is more diverse today than ever before, but the central areas within a 3 mile radius of uptown are probably losing diversity due to gentrification. On some level this is inevitable in any city that is redeveloping but I don't think that it should be overlooked. When I say Charlotte may become more staid I mean I think it is at risk of having a largely white, wealthy majority in the core and the middle-class and minorities will be living outside. That's why I said I predict it will become more staid even though it will have more things to do.

Granted, I may be wrong. In fact I hope I'm wrong. But I'm not convinced yet and I just wanted to restate what I was trying to say for purposes of clarification. At any rate, I'm sorry I stepped on toes. That wasn't my intention.

[Coin]

Charlotte is attracting its share of wealthy residents, but it is also attracting its share of middle class residents. And of course there are lower income residents as well. It's not predominantly upper class. It's a mix. Right at the heart of the city, you're right that gentrification has turned lower- and middle-class neighborhoods into more upscale neighborhoods, but many middle class neighborhoods still exist in or near the center city too. Even within the 277 loop you have first ward, which is what I'd consider middle class. You have west charlotte on the other side of I-77, and other neighborhoods like Cherry, Chantilly, and Elizabeth that have not been affected by gentrification (yet). And the further out you go, the more common the middle class population becomes.

[CenterCity]

Another side of town that is endangered of being gentrified is North Charlotte, all the neighbhorhoods between Uptown and NoDa. Optimist Park, Belmont and Villa Heights. The original Optimist Park is half gone and condos are engulfing up 15th and 16th Streets. Properties owners and residents from 16th to 19th Streets are getting offers left and right, however most of them are taking a wait and see approach. Villa Heights is slowly becoming intergrated into NoDa with condos projects as 28th Row.

[ppassafi]

Charlotte can support a Trump, and so can cities like Louisville and Nashville. More power to the South's rising stars!

[SpeedoPro]

So has the Trump Tower been approved? What's the latest on it?

[Coin]

So has the Trump Tower been approved? What's the latest on it?

Rumors rumors rumors, but not much else. People 'in the know' keep saying that the land is already bought and that they cannot divulge any details yet but it'll be worth the wait, and that the project is further along that the Trumps are admitting. We shall see.

[SpeedoPro]

what does this thing look like? is there a pic of it somewhere?

[Coin]

No renderings. At this point I can only tell you the gossip details of the project. Again, this is only rumors, courtesy of people that claim to be 'in the know'.

They're saying it's two towers. The one tower will be about 70 stories and will likely be the tallest building in charlotte. A second tower, all condos, would be in the 35-40 story range. The land this is planned for is in the same general neighborhood as where the Wachovia projects are under construction and where Portman is going to build his 40-story condo tower, so that side of Uptown is going to be loaded with cranes soon enough, with or without Trump's project...but if he does decide to get in on the fun, that part of Uptown will suddenly become the 'ritzy' part of uptown, with theaters, museums, two luxury condo towers, and the Westin hotel.

[Coin]

This model of Uptown reflects the Wachovia developments, the Portman Tower, and a projected Trump project.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/aulukey/render/OneCharlotteResidencesRenderingAngl.jpg
(courtesy of Aussie Luke at urbanplanet)

All three are on the left side of the rendering. The portman tower is shorter and a lighter blue. To its left (in darker blue) is the Wachovia office tower. To the right (in darker blue) is the projected Trump tower.

Note that this rendering also includes the nascar hall of fame, the Vue, Epicentre, BofA's new tower, and 300 South Tryon.

[rickydavisfan21]

No renderings. At this point I can only tell you the gossip details of the project. Again, this is only rumors, courtesy of people that claim to be 'in the know'.

They're saying it's two towers. The one tower will be about 70 stories and will likely be the tallest building in charlotte. A second tower, all condos, would be in the 35-40 story range. The land this is planned for is in the same general neighborhood as where the Wachovia projects are under construction and where Portman is going to build his 40-story condo tower, so that side of Uptown is going to be loaded with cranes soon enough, with or without Trump's project...but if he does decide to get in on the fun, that part of Uptown will suddenly become the 'ritzy' part of uptown, with theaters, museums, two luxury condo towers, and the Westin hotel.

There was a article in the business journal saying that trump has been talking to 3 architects from charlotte and one from atlanta to build a 70 story tower and a smaller companion tower. So it has become much more than just people who claim to be in the know.

[Coin]

There was a article in the business journal saying that trump has been talking to 3 architects from charlotte and one from atlanta to build a 70 story tower and a smaller companion tower. So it has become much more than just people who claim to be in the know.
The CBJ is one of those sources that claims to be 'in the know'.

:-)

[SpeedoPro]

The CBJ is one of those sources that claims to be 'in the know'.

:-)

Coin, thanks for the info !!:tup: that rendering looks awesome..:cheers:

[Coin]

Quick update...the CBJ named SRSS, FMK, Little, and LS3P as the firms that have been asked to draw up some renderings for Infinity Partners.

[urbanscraper]

City official confirms
planning for Trump tower
Could be 60-stories-plus

http://www.charlotte.com/109/story/126407.html

Coin...looks like these RUMORS are now REALITY. Now we are waiting on another official MAJOR announcement of a RUMOR about 89 miles northeast of Charlotte ;)

[skysdalimit]

Quick update...the CBJ named SRSS, FMK, Little, and LS3P as the firms that have been asked to draw up some renderings for Infinity Partners.

Aw man, I would love to get my hands on those renderings.

[RockHillJames]

urban, don't bring that mess in here...one hijacked thread is enough right now.

[urbanscraper]

urban, don't bring that mess in here...one hijacked thread is enough right now.

no hijacking intended

[Coin]

Are you all familiar with the architectural firms cited? I've heard of three of the four. I'm not familiar with Little.

[Coin]

LS3P - seem suburban in nature. Charlotte projects include Ballantyne Resort and Piedmont Place in South Park:

http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/uploadedfiles/sop/ballantyne_resort/1558-%20547x210.jpg

http://www.piedmonttowncenter.com/Images/Construction/PTC_One_Fountain_051128.jpg

[Coin]

SRSS is known for Charlotte's Hearst Tower and IJL Tower:

http://www.srssa.com/images/hearst-v-hero.jpg

http://www.srssa.com/images/ijl-v-hero.jpg

[Coin]

FMK is known for Charlotte's Ratcliffe condos on the Green and 715 North Church:

http://www.fmkarchitects.com/images/projectScreens/theRatcliffe_06.jpg

http://www.fmkarchitects.com/images/projectScreens/715northchurch_02.jpg

FMK has also designed a TON of lowrise residential throughout Charlotte, including Latta Pavilion, 3030 South, 400 North Church, and Elizabeth Village.

[SpeedoPro]

im not in love with any of the 4 firms. i truly hope trump picks a good design befitting of the trump name.

[Cosmoboy]

Trump is picking a firm here and then partnering with one in NYC, so there's still hope.

[RockHillJames]

Trump's not going to pick a firm that can't get the job done. Remember, a firm's work also reflects the client. Trump is known for doing something grand, so I don't see any of these firms doing anything ordinary.

[Coin]

I don't mind SRSSA at all. They won me over with Hearst.

[thegrayone]

I just hope it's over 1,000 feet.

[Coin]

I heard some people speculating that it would need a modest spire to break 1000'.