CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sports and entertainment are bringing life back into Uptown and other parts of Charlotte following the pandemic, but there are still empty offices in and around the Queen City after many employees turned to remote or hybrid work.
On Monday, Charlotte City Council's Jobs and Economic Development committee gathered to discuss the future of those spaces, sharing that the overall office vacancy rate is around 23%.
They're hoping to reimagine those spaces into something that supports the city's current needs.
"You can quite often look at challenges as opportunities," Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson said. "It’s a great opportunity for us to reimagine that part of Uptown.”
City leaders hosted a competition challenging architects, designers, developers, and more to reimagine the vacant spaces. The proposals included mixed-use properties with retail, apartments, and modernized offices.
Among the buildings reimagined was the former Duke Energy headquarters on Church Street. The developers proposed the building, first constructed in the 1970s, be converted into a residential facility with ground-floor retail and rooftop amenity space.
Several members of the council, including Mayor Pro Tem Anderson, Councilman Ed Driggs, and Councilman James Mitchell expressed interest in the proposal. Councilwoman Marjorie Molina was among those hoping to see the new development include affordable housing options.
Councilman Tariq Bokhari said focusing more on employers could be the most effective strategy to fill slots and secure new jobs. He proposed the city work with employers to reimagine empty offices into spaces that work for their businesses.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
"We believe this will happen versus let’s just transactionally connect it to recruiting companies and jobs here," Bokhari said.
All the ideas are in the early stages.
As discussions continue, city leaders say they're also looking at how other major cities are dealing with the issue to try to chart a path that's best for Charlotte.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte's Where's The Money series is all about leveling the playing field in the Carolinas by helping others and breaking down barriers. WCNC Charlotte doesn't want our viewers to be taken advantage of, so we’re here to help. Watch previous stories where we ask the question “Where’s the Money” in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.