The owner requested a design solution that provided a “landmark architectural statement” to be located on 10 acres at a major intersection in Ballantyne, a popular new satellite urban center on Charlotte’s outer loop. The architectural statement needed to be visible for long distances and include four structures for housing retail, office, movie theaters, and a parking deck. Future planning included two 14-story residential towers with retail and office at the lower levels.
aiDG delivered an Art-Deco-flavored design offering views from the main Ballantyne intersection into the “Main Street” pedestrian area and outdoor eating areas of two restaurants.
The “Crown” which is the “landmark architectural statement” consists of a structural steel element capping off a three-story glass atrium in the movie theater lobby. Lit with programmable LED lighting that allows for an infinite number of lighting color combinations, the Crown can be seen for miles around the site.
The atrium provides access to a future roof-top terrace with gardens and entertainment areas. The fountain at the center of the plaza takes design cues from the “Crown” design.
Structured parking is located at the rear corner of the site and below the retail/movie theater building. The parking deck was designed to blend with the residential neighbors behind the shopping center and allow for future expansion with the mixed-use tower construction as well as a possible hotel on top. The final exterior design elements will be added when the deck is expanded.
The master plan design also provides for two future 14-story towers. Each would incorporate additional parking below grade, two retail levels, six floors of office and residential condominiums.