Part of a series of skyscrapers acclaimed long ago as forming “the Wall Street of the South,”¹ Tryon Plaza still boasts of the creative entrepreneurial spirit that inspired its founding.  A variety of businesses are time and again finding themselves behind these handsomely clad stone facades.  We met up with new occupant, Chris Harkey, President of Ideal Internet, to get insight into what makes Tryon Plaza the perfect home for his up-and-coming business.

A company that successfully manages web traffic for over a dozen websites related to online gaming, Ideal Internet grew from humble beginnings.  Chris began his work inspired by an “infatuation with website traffic,” he said.  He and a friend initially worked out of a home office in Cary, North Carolina.  Through much dedication, their work soon expanded and they hired additional help related to programming, content development, and advertising.

Upon deciding to relocate their business to Charlotte, Chris was seeking something with “a great location, great view, center city, and affordable,” he said.

Not only did he find all this at Tryon Plaza, but he was also very impressed with the architecture of this landmark building.  Remarkably well preserved and having timeless appeal, Tryon Plaza features gleaming bronze work and highly detailed stone carvings, culminating in crowning pediments.  Displaying skilled craftsmanship, it clearly makes a unique mark onto the uptown Charlotte cityscape that is easily recognizable.

“Everyone that works here is on the same page that we love the architecture with the history; having a modern look on the inside with a historic feel on the outside.  I really liked that appeal,” Chris explained.

Tryon Plaza’s motto, Where you work inspires how you work, can be seen actualized in many ways including its high end architecture and interior design with attention to detail, customizable office spaces, and high quality amenities including a fitness center, conference center, owners’ lounge, and the convenience of concierge services.  After speaking with Chris, it is also clear that the motto is a testament to the need for work hour flexibility provided at Tryon Plaza. Many businesses would find this essential to being fully efficient.

“With any internet or technology based company, everyone works on their own schedule.  I have a programmer that will sometimes come in at 2:00 in the afternoon and work until 2:00 in the morning.  Other days, he’ll pull a normal 9-5.  What Tryon Plaza offers us, versus another building, is full accessibility at any time and that is what allows us to be as productive as we can be.” Chris explained.

The location of Ideal Internet in Tryon Plaza clearly attests to the entrepreneurial spirit upon which this building’s foundation was fist laid and has remained for centuries.  Tryon Plaza welcomes Chris and his company Ideal Internet, and wishes them much success on the exciting road ahead.

¹ Catherine W. Bishir, Michael T. Southern, A Guide to the Historic Architecture of Piedmont North Carolina (Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 2003) 508.

by Sophia Khan