The redevelopment of the previously underutilized Morehead Square building in Charlotte, North Carolina's South End, into a revamped office property challenged the existing corporate aesthetic while tapping into the young and edgy vibe emerging in the evolving district. In recognition, the project earned a 2024 CoStar Impact Award for redevelopment of the year, as selected by an independent panel of local industry professionals.
Spectrum Cos. navigated supply-chain shortages, a scarcity of materials and increased costs to deliver the Offices at Carson Station, a revitalization of a six-story office building into a modern property with a redesigned interior that is credited with injecting new life into the building at a time when companies are increasingly seeking out trendy, cutting-edge office space to recruit and retain a modern workforce that emphasizes high-end amenities.
The improvements included expanding the lobby to include an amenity space with coffee bar, a tenant lounge and break area complete with food and beverage services, and a two-story, graffiti-style mural that pays homage to the neighborhood's vibrant mural scene. At the top of a new sweeping staircase, a 3,000-square-foot wrap-around terrace has been crafted for a new signature restaurant.
Tenants have responded to the updates. The property's occupancy increased from 70% to more than 90% within one year from the start of the renovations, and the building today is home to global corporations specializing in banking, engineering, logistics, marketing, real estate and health and wellness, contributing to the area's vibrancy, growth and diversification.
About the Project: Originally scheduled to be finished in six months, it took Spectrum nearly a year to complete the remake of the Morehead Square building at 1001 Morehead Square Drive into the Offices at Carson Station due to pandemic-era challenges. Renamed after the adjacent Carson light rail station, the BB+M-designed redevelopment incorporated sustainability initiatives while preserving existing features, while a new spec suite is currently under construction. Spectrum Cos. owns the building in a joint venture with Invesco.
What the Judges Said: The project is a "success story of occupancy, connectivity to light rail and rail trail," said Spencer Yorke, a vice president with JLL.
The historic preservation with design elements captured the surrounding energy of South End, added Paula Saunders, a senior broker with New South Properties.
They Made it Happen: Stephen McClure, Dillard Williams, Virginia Luther and Josh Hauser of Spectrum Cos.; Andrew Schlossberg of Invesco; and Tripp Beacham, Brian Bunce and Roger Manley of BB+M Architecture.
CoStar Market Manager Morgan Markowitz contributed to this report.