The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has just permanently saved one of Charlotte’s historic midrise towers by listing it on the National Register of Historic Places.
This register, started in 1966, is the official federal list dedicated to the preservation of buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts that hold significant value in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture.
“Preserving our past is essential to understanding our present and shaping our future,” said Reid Wilson, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in a press release. “Each commemorated location enriches our collective narrative, bolsters local economies, and celebrates the diverse tapestry of our state’s history and culture.”
The Ervin Building, named after famed Charlotte developer Charles Ervin (1926-2006), is one of the old towers on Independence Blvd that has faced multiple threats of demolition over the years.
Ervin was a pioneering figure in the construction and real estate industry, founding the Ervin Company by 1947. His firm, which initially focused on building suburban neighborhoods, grew to become one of the premier custom-home developers in the Southeast during the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to Ervin’s adoption of innovative business practices. The Ervin Building, designed by the local architectural firm Ferebee, Walters, and Associates as the company’s headquarters, was completed in 1964. This seven-story Modern style office building, situated southeast of downtown Charlotte, maintains a high degree of architectural integrity. Its design is consistent across all facades, with minor variations only on the first and basement levels. The building’s historical significance is marked from its completion in 1964 until 1970, when the Ervin Company was sold.
Do you think more buildings in Charlotte should be saved like this?