CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte city leaders are considering a petition from Wells Fargo that would add signage to one of Uptown's more recognizable buildings.
Wells Fargo wants to put new signage atop 550 South Tryon Street, the former Duke Energy building in the heart of Uptown. It's not the first time a company has covered an Uptown office with branding. Back in 2020, Truist ruffled some feathers when it added its name to the old Hearst Tower.
Here's what Wells Fargo has proposed, based on rezoning documents filed with the City of Charlotte: The bank wants to add two signs that will take up thousands of square feet. They will be on each side of the tower and will specifically be placed on the topmost area, along the base of what looks like an upside-down triangle.
Along with the proposed signage, Wells Fargo says it plans to upgrade the LED lighting system on the sides and top of the tower. The company says this will elevate its Wells Fargo Lights program, which sees the tower lit up in different colors for different causes, programs, and events.
As for the money to pay for it, Wells Fargo says this is all part of its $500 million "employee experience investment" project.
The Charlotte City Council held a public hearing on the proposed building changes Tuesday night. The only people who signed up to speak were representatives for Wells Fargo and the architect behind the new sign design.
"The band of the building will accommodate the lettering that will be proposed on this building," Wells Fargo attorney Anthony Fox explained. "Unlike the Truist building where there was an appendage that had to be made, this will be architecturally consistent with the building and the style."
Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera noted it was interesting no one signed up to speak in opposition to the proposal when many people spoke out against the Truist Center changes a few years ago.
A couple of viewers texted WCNC Charlotte saying they don’t want changes to the signature Charlotte skyscraper, adding that Wells Fargo should instead spend the money on employees and improving customer experience.
The decision is ultimately up to city leaders who could vote on the changes at its next zoning meeting in February.
Contact Kia Murray at kmurray@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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