The Square at South End’s LEED-certified, mixed-use tower features modern exterior with EFCO curtain wall, storefront and entrances
Posted on July 2nd, 2025 by Heather West
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 402 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.
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).
Twice-certified LEED Silver
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.
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.
“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.”
USAA, The Square at South End, 200 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
• Architect: Axiom Architecture; Charlotte, North Carolina; https://axiomarchitecture.com
• General contractor: Edifice Construction, Charlotte, North Carolina; https://edificeinc.com
• Glazing contractor: 1st Choice Glass; Indian Trail, North Carolina; https://www.glass1st.net
• Curtain wall, storefront and entrance systems – manufacturer and finisher: EFCO, Apogee Architectural Metals; Monett, Missouri; https://www.efcocorp.com
• Curtain wall, storefront and entrance systems - manufacturer’s representative: WCJ Sales; Davidson, North Carolina; https://www.efcocorp.com/rep/detail/8535
• Photographer: ©Abstract Photography, Inc.; Terry Wieckert
• Construction videos: Edifice Construction, https://www.youtube.com
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