The Square at South End in Charlotte, North Carolina, reflects its name as a rectilinear geometric shape accentuated with a contemporary curtain wall and storefront by EFCO. The building offers a sustainable LEED Silver-certified example for modern, mixed-use office buildings. The 10-story, 153,000-square-foot tower welcomes more than 750 employees of USAA, a large financial services company serving the military community.

Designed by Axiom Architecture, the structure stands as a landmark on the corner of S. Tryon Street and West Boulevard in Charlotte’s South End District. Its exterior balances glass, metal and masonry in a sleek, modern style defined by transparent columns and horizontal bands created with EFCO fenestration and framing products. A brand of Apogee Architectural Metals, EFCO is represented by WCJ Sales in North Carolina.
 

High-tech look, tested performance

To achieve The Square at South End’s aesthetic, performance and sustainability goals, the architectural team specified EFCO 5600 Series curtain wall, 401 and 302 Series storefront, 3000 Series sliding doors, and D500 and T351 TerraStile Series swing entrance systems. The aluminum framing members were painted in a black color emphasizing the building’s contemporary, high-tech appearance.

All of EFCO’s aluminum framing and fenestration for The Square at South End was installed by 1st Choice Glass’s North Carolina glazing team. Streamlining installation, EFCO systems are engineered for compatibility and flexibility. Roll-on horizontals and concealed fasteners provide uninterrupted joinery. Saving time during fabrication and in the field, EFCO supplies snap-on face covers, uniform glazing gaskets, variable-position and -depth mullions, variable-height intermediate horizontals and sills, and an accessory line of perimeter anchors, pocket fillers and door adaptors, plus other options.

Ensuring performance as specified, EFCO products are tested for air and water resistance, structural integrity, thermal cycling and acoustic ratings. The curtain wall and high-traffic, heavy-duty swing doors are certified through the National Fenestration Rating Council’s Component Modeling Approach (NFRC CMA) program. EFCO curtain wall systems also are supported with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

©Abstract Photography, Inc. | Terry Wieckert, courtesy Apogee Architectural Metals  

Twice-certified LEED Silver

The Square at South End’s energy-efficient building envelope helped earn its U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver certification. It received the maximum credits for daylighting and quality views. Natural light reduces the need for electric illumination. Thermally improved framing and solar-control glass lower HVAC loads. Durable frame construction and impact-resistant glazing minimize maintenance time and repair costs. At the end of the products’ long life on the building, the aluminum can be recycled. These attributes can assist in conserving resources and lowering emissions.

The property was initially certified Silver under the LEEDv4 BD+C: Core and Shell program when it opened 2021. Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, it was recertified to meet LEED v4.1 criteria in 2023.

In addition to contributing to the building’s sustainability goals, EFCO systems help keep The Square at South End’s office workers comfortable and productive. Occupants enjoy natural light and floor-to-ceiling views of South End and Charlotte’s center city.

As The Square at South End’s signature tenant, USAA leased six floors consisting of approximately 90,000 square feet of office space. The building amenities include a two-story fitness center, a coffee bar, a rooftop restaurant, and a 10th floor, 2,300-square-foot terrace overlooking Uptown.

The property is one block from the city’s light rail and walking distance to shopping, dining, and numerous galleries, murals and public art installations. Its ground-level retail and restaurant spaces open to visitors, including those from Wilmore Centennial Park. More greenspace is nestled between the tower and its parking garage where a plaza was designed around a 120-foot-tall oak tree.

Innovative marketplace

Aside from the area’s natural and built environments, USAA noted its new location was selected because of the availability of highly skilled individuals in the financial services sector. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in seven U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 38,000 people worldwide.

“Opening an office in Charlotte is a win-win for USAA,” said Wayne Peacock, USAA’s president and CEO (2020-2025). “It gives us even greater access to some of the top banking and technology professionals in a community that has a deep understanding and care for the military. USAA has been serving military families for nearly a century and we are excited to begin our second century with a growing presence in Charlotte.”

“USAA’s choice to open a new office in Charlotte is another example of strategic investments paying off, and more proof that top-tier companies and talent are seeking out our city,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “We have developed an innovative marketplace, with an ability to attract educated, young professionals to a diverse workforce that we are confident will continue to grow and flourish for companies like USAA and for the people of Charlotte.”