Independence Building
Why it's listed
Rising fourteen stories at Trade and Tryon streets, the Independence Building anchors the northwest corner of Charlotte's central Square. Built in 1908-1909 for the Charlotte Realty Company, it was designed by architect Frank P. Milburn and erected by the J. A. Jones Construction Company, whose first skyscraper it was. Contemporary newspapers and later scholarship identify it as the first steel-frame high-rise in North Carolina. Its design divides the block into base, shaft and capital, with tall brick pilasters ending in round arches, a approach drawn from late nineteenth-century Chicago skyscrapers. In 1927-1928 architect William L. Stoddart remodeled the base and added the thirteenth and fourteenth stories. The building took its name after the Independence Trust Company, led by banker Julian H. Little, opened there in 1912. Storefronts later replaced parts of the base, but the elevator lobby and upper floors keep marble, oak and brass finishes. The building reflects Charlotte's growth as the state's commercial center.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it was the first steel-frame high-rise built in North Carolina and the oldest building in the state showing Chicago School influence. It was designed by Frank P. Milburn, a prominent Carolinas architect, and was remodeled by William L. Stoddart. It is also tied to Charlotte's rise as a commercial center, through figures such as Julian H. Little and the J. A. Jones Construction Company.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78001964, listed September 18, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 100--102 W. Trade St., Charlotte |
|---|---|
| County | Mecklenburg County |
| Listed | September 18, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78001964 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1908-1909 |
| Architect / builder | Frank P. Milburn, William L. Stoddart (builder: J. A. Jones Construction Company) |
| Architectural style | Renaissance style in the Beaux-Arts tradition (Renaissance Revival), showing Chicago School influence |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Commerce, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as partially occupied; the upper floors retain much of their original interior finish, while the first floor and mezzanine have been renovated twice. |
| Acreage | 0.2 |
| Coordinates | 35.22759, -80.84298 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78001964.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14707980
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.