Hearst Tower, Charlotte

The Hearst Tower in Charlotte is a striking skyscraper located on North Tryon Street. It was completed on November 14, 2002, and stands at 659 feet (201 meters) tall, making it the fourth tallest building in Charlotte. What makes it unique is its design: a 47-story tower sits atop a 15-floor podium, creating a visually impressive structure. The tower's layout features a reverse floorplate, with larger floor areas on the upper levels (averaging 24,000 square feet or 2,200 square meters) compared to the lower levels (20,000 square feet or 1,900 square meters), maximizing space and providing panoramic views of the city skyline.

One of the notable features of the podium is a massive three-story trading floor covering 180,000 square feet (17,000 square meters), designed by the renowned firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. This space, operated by Bank of America, underscores the tower's significance in the financial sector. While Bank of America owns the building, it also houses offices for the Hearst Corporation, demonstrating its versatility and appeal to prominent businesses.

The building incorporates elements of artistic and cultural significance, such as the brass railings in the College Street lobby, designed by Edgar Brandt and sourced from the historic Au Bon Marche department store in Paris, seamlessly blending with the modern aesthetic.

Adjacent to the main entrance on North Tryon Street is the Hearst Plaza, a lively public space surrounded by restaurants, shops, and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, enhancing the tower's connection with the city. The plaza features a notable sculpture called the Castellan, standing 10 feet (3.0 meters) tall, created by Howard Ben Tre, adding elegance and intrigue to the area.

Inside the lobby is the Bank of America Gallery, showcasing valuable artworks accessible to the public during business hours, enriching the building's cultural significance and inviting visitors to explore the intersection of corporate and artistic realms.