The video showcases the redesign of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce headquarters, undertaken by Gensler Architecture with Turner as the general contractor and supported by various community partners. The Chamber, situated in a city ranked #1 in tech momentum and among the top for jobs and millennial migration, needed an office space that reflected its economic leadership. Stakeholders describe the previous space as dark and lacking energy, prompting a bold, collaborative vision to create a transparent, inviting environment likened to a "Times Square" for Charlotte. Key design elements include strategically placed digital monitors in the lobby, a dramatic 24‑hour illuminated staircase, a corner patio at a busy intersection, a balcony putting green, and a mural created in partnership with the Arts and Science Council. The project emphasizes community partnerships and sponsorships, aiming to showcase the Chamber’s role in supporting local businesses. The redesign earned the Cornet Global Community Impact Team Award 2016, highlighting its impact on the community and the successful collaboration among all parties.
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The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce is at the business helm of a metro area that's number 1 in top tech momentum markets, number 8 for the best big cities for jobs, number 8 for most moved to by millennials, and the 13th fastest growing city. But the Chamber's office did not project that momentum and market leadership.
It was dark. It wasn't very open. It wasn't very transparent. There was not a lot of energy in the space at all.
Turner is a very large general contractor, and we certainly are used to this type of construction. What we weren't used to were the energy levels that we encountered with the Chamber members. It was contagious. It was exceptional. I think that really set the bar for us.
The most exciting thing about the project was the collaboration. We all came together for this big, bold, shared vision for the Chamber, and we really wanted to showcase what the Chamber could do for the community and how it could help the Chamber members.
One of the things I remember Bob Morgan saying is that he really wanted this office to be like a Times Square for Charlotte. So during the planning of this lobby, we wanted to make sure that we had monitors located at prime locations, make sure that it's really transparent, it's open, it's inviting, so when people walk by, they truly feel smarter about Charlotte.
There are a lot of unexpected moments in this space. Nobody expected a staircase with the dramatic lighting that stays on 24 hours and just captures the energy of the building. It captures the attention of anybody who's walking on the streets. People don't necessarily expect a patio out on the corner of one of the busiest intersections in Charlotte. Upstairs, dare I say it, there's a putting green on the balcony. There's a grand mural wall that's a great story of partnership with the Arts and Science Council. Puts a smile on people's faces.
A smile on people's face and research to help their businesses grow. There's a library of information gathered by the Chamber with internet and office space.
The partnerships the Chamber has business community are really important. So when thinking about the workplace, it was key that we had spaces that could really emphasize their support and sponsorships.
To have a group of people work toward a goal, to pull it off, and then to be honored for it, it feels fantastic.
Congratulations, Gensler Architecture and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, for the Cornet Global Community Impact Team Award 2016.
