Case Study

JW Marriott Charlotte Enhancing the Public Realm

Charlotte, NC, USA

The Challenge

Located in rapidly growing Uptown Charlotte, the JW Marriott aims to serve as a beacon to a new public plaza and as a focal point within a neighborhood that has a rich history of pedestrian connectivity. As a key component of a new full-block development along Stonewall Street between Tryon and College streets, the project strives to act as a pedestrian gateway to its neighboring convention center, numerous arts and cultural institutions, and multiple sports and entertainment venues.

The Design Solution

The design is informed by a set of guiding principles that revolve around the concept of serving as a link between critical stakeholders. Utilizing the Public Plaza was important to the goal of creating a focal point for the development and establishing a sense of community. Engaging the historic pedestrian culture of Uptown Charlotte was critical to the aim of maximizing guest experience and ROI. The HKS design team activated and enhanced the public realm at multiple levels by taking advantage of the sloping site conditions along Stonewall Street.

In addition, the notion of linking disparate elements informed the organizing concept for the building’s massing and materiality, while isolated moments of differentiation expressed key programmatic elements.

Numerous design strategies were implemented in service of the project’s guiding principles. Bringing natural light into the grand ballroom, pre-function spaces, meeting rooms, and guestroom corridors helped maximize daylight and views in guestrooms, especially at corner and plaza-facing conditions. Leveraging unitized façade systems and prefabricated guestroom bathroom modules improved performance, enhanced quality, provided schedule efficiency, and reduced construction waste. Enhancing the public realm was achieved by emphasizing indoor/outdoor connectivity at public spaces on the Ground, Plaza and Amenity levels.

The Design Impact

The project responded to its guiding principles by means of its organization of critical programmatic elements and the integration of those entities with the site—all in service to the goals of enriching the guest experience and enhancing the public realm. With its privileged location in Uptown Charlotte, the JW Marriott has a unique opportunity to be a new focal point in the city.

Project Features

  • 381 keys
  • 21 stories
  • 330,000 sf (30,658 meters)
  • 14,000 sf (1,300 meters) of meeting space
  • Amenity terrace with pool, pool bar, and fitness center
  • Spa by JW
  • Steakhouse
  • Oyster Bar