Past and Present
If I were to make a comparison between downtown Charlotte and downtown Charleston, the only thing that I could say would be that Charleston is all about history and Charlotte is about glitz. After having spent 19 months ‘abroad’, it was pretty cool walking through the streets of Charlotte this morning. Many things have changed.
When I left, I would say that one company, Preferred Parking, owned about 50 – 60% of the parking lots. Now, I’d have to say that they own about 80 – 90%, which means that parking has increased a fair amount. Lots that used to cost $4.00/day are now $6.00/day. Sure, that’s not NYC rate of $14/hour, but it’s high for Charlotte. 
It represents a 50% increase. Also, the parking lot that I used to park in is no more, or should I saw is growing ‘up’. They’re building yet another parking deck! I guess that I won’t be parking there. Parking decks cost between $125 – $200/month. Surface lots, $75 – $100/month.
Also, Charlotte’s first and only 5-star hotel, The Ritz Carlton was under construction. On the way back to my car this evening, I took a different route and walked down a parallel street. I walked past this building that I didn’t remember, looked up, and what do you know, The Ritz Carlton, open for business. Here you can get an executive suite for $399/night. It’s 1,064 square feet, has 3 phones, (WIFI for an additional fee!). Again, not NYC prices, but it is Charlotte and that is pretty chic! Also, right across the street something called The Epicenter – Bowling, movies, shopping, restaurants, entertainment.
They’ve almost completed the NASCAR museum, which was still in the final stages of paper signing when I left. It wasn’t even a hole in the ground. It was nice looking around, though. I took all of the photos with my camera phone. I’m starting to really like that thing. The 3 MP photos come out quite nice.
As I was walking up 4th Street, I think, I saw the reflections of the buildings welcoming me. I say welcoming because they represent both past and present work places. The reflection on the right is Bank of America Corporate Center, which is where I work now. The one in the middle, Bank of America Hearst Tower, which is where I worked prior to going to Charleston.
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4 Responses to “A lot has changed!”
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I love the warm tones playing off the purplish blue and the branches softening all that “glitz”. You are right. That’s a nice cell phone camera.
Paul, I like the reflection photo, the tree limbs add interest. Yea, parking’s big business these days. The more “attractions” they build the more the cost increases. I wonder how much revenue is collected for all downtown parking in Charlotte each month/year — the amount would probably be absolutely shocking.
I hope the new job is going well and that some of the changes are positive!
I flew for 5 months of Reagan National Airport and enjoyed not having a car out there. I could get around just about anywhere either by the Metro, a bus, a taxi or walking. The best part of that is no parking needed. And, yes i expect things have changed since you left. Man just seems to keep building up and out, which is saddening to me.
I too like the reflection shot. It has lots of lines and patterns to feed the eye.
NASCAR Museum . . . wow, cool. How you doing with he transition?