Swinerton’s embrace of adaptive reuse for its regional office in Charlotte presented challenges that were outweighed by opportunities.
In 2023, 45% of projects billed by U.S. architects focused on the renovation, rehabilitation, retrofitting, extension or preservation of existing buildings, according to the American Institute of Architects. Swinerton is one of the construction firms at the forefront of these transformations, not just for clients but for its own offices.
Putting Down Roots
In 2018, Swinerton launched its Carolinas division and set about finding a prime location for office space in Charlotte. Ideally, it would be near active areas within the market and appeal to employees and clients. Additionally, the space would have room for expansion and reflect Swinerton’s culture as builders.
The firm was already contributing to revitalizing Charlotte’s neighborhoods by repurposing various buildings through adaptive reuse developments. Through this experience, Swinerton realized that an adaptive reuse approach for its own office in Charlotte would effectively reflect the company’s culture and showcase its expertise, all while providing a comfortable workspace for its employees.
Swinerton decided on Station West, a 67,000-square-foot adaptive reuse development within FreeMoreWest, an emerging live-work-play community located next to Charlotte’s popular Uptown neighborhood. This area was once home to Camp Greene, a 6,000-acre U.S. Army base established in 1917. After the base was relocated, the region developed into a vibrant commercial and residential hub, but its popularity began to decline in the 1970s.
