Change is coming to the Charlotte skyline. The City of Charlotte zoning commission voted to allow Wells Fargo to add its name to the former Duke Energy building in Uptown.

The building, now owned by Wells Fargo, is among the most iconic buildings in Uptown, thanks to its “handlebar” top. It’s also one of the city's biggest employers, with 27,000 people employed in Charlotte.

How big are we talking?

The new signs are expected to be a maximum of 1,880 sqft on each side of the building. For context, that’s double the size of the letters on the Truist building several blocks away. In a previous discussion, Wells Fargo’s attorney Anthony Fox said the signage “will be architecturally consistent with the building."

The rendering shows the proposed signage for the former Wells Fargo building. | Photo provided by City of Charlotte

The size was addressed in previous zoning meetings when the commission voted 5-2 against the approval in January. Commissioners were concerned the larger letters would make the skyline “look like a CVS aisle.”

During Monday's vote, council member Malcolm Graham reflected on the size concerns. He said the signage on the building will appear inviting to residents and businesses looking to move to Center City.

What’s next

The approval and petition are in line with the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, building on the future of livability and work in Center City.

Wells Fargo will not be making structural changes to the building on 550 S. Tryon St. As for the adding of the letters, we’ll be watching for when they will be added so keep an eye on our Instagram.