Charlotte, February 11, 2026
Cousins Properties’ acquisition of the 300 South Tryon office building for $317.5 million emphasizes Charlotte’s economic vitality and attractiveness to investors. This fully leased, modern lifestyle office space signifies continued growth in the region, driven by a pro-business climate, increasing demand, and a thriving entrepreneurial community. The 25-story, LEED Gold-certified building showcases Charlotte’s evolving real estate market and its appeal for long-term corporate commitments, contributing to the city’s dynamic workforce and infrastructure.
Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte’s Latest Major Investment Signals Strong Economic Confidence
Charlotte’s vibrant economic landscape continues to attract significant private investment, demonstrating sustained confidence in the Queen City’s growth trajectory. A recent acquisition in Uptown underscores the appeal of well-positioned assets and highlights the dynamic nature of Charlotte NC business, fueled by strategic decisions and a thriving environment for North Carolina entrepreneurs.
The city’s pro-business climate, characterized by a growing workforce and robust infrastructure, consistently draws both established enterprises and innovative startups. This continuous inflow of capital and talent contributes to job creation and broad economic prosperity, reflecting the positive outcomes of a market where private enterprise flourishes and community engagement in economic development is strong. The latest transaction further solidifies Charlotte’s reputation as a premier destination for significant commercial activity.
Cousins Properties Acquires 300 South Tryon
On February 5, 2026, Cousins Properties announced the acquisition of the 300 South Tryon office building in Uptown Charlotte for $317.5 million, with the transaction closing on February 2, 2026. This significant investment in a prominent 638,000-square-foot lifestyle office property signals robust market confidence. The building, constructed in 2017, is fully leased, featuring a weighted average lease term of six years.
Previously owned by Barings, the firm also serves as the anchor tenant, occupying approximately 30% of the property. Barings has maintained its global headquarters in the 300 South Tryon building since its completion in 2017. This enduring commitment from a major tenant speaks volumes about the quality and strategic value of the asset, reinforcing Charlotte’s appeal for long-term corporate presence.
Strategic Investment in a High-Growth Market
The acquisition aligns with Cousins Properties’ overarching strategy to invest in Class A office buildings within high-growth Sun Belt markets, with Charlotte being one of its core cities. The company’s focus includes acquiring trophy assets and making opportunistic investments, leveraging its expertise in property management, leasing, and development. This approach allows Cousins Properties to enhance its presence in dynamic urban centers and capitalize on favorable market conditions.
Funding for the acquisition will come from a combination of proceeds from non-core asset sales, debt financing, and/or the settlement of previously issued common shares. Cousins is currently under contract to sell Harborview Plaza in Tampa and a land parcel at 303 Tremont in Charlotte, with combined gross proceeds of $63.2 million.
Uptown Charlotte: A Hub for Commerce and Innovation
Uptown Charlotte continues to solidify its position as a vibrant commercial hub. Market fundamentals are improving, characterized by increasing demand and a notable absence of new supply, which is contributing to rapid rent growth for lifestyle office spaces. The area’s appeal is also driven by its diversified economy, expanding financial services sector, and consistent population growth, all of which support steady absorption in the commercial real estate market.
The 300 South Tryon building itself is a prime example of modern urban development. It is a 25-story, LEED Gold-certified building, boasting a 4,000-square-foot showroom and more than 5,000 square feet of retail space on its mezzanine level. Its amenities further enhance its appeal, including a direct connection to the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, various on-site food and beverage options, and a fitness club. These features cater to the evolving needs of contemporary businesses and their employees, highlighting the focus on creating integrated, convenient urban workspaces.
Charlotte’s Sustained Economic Momentum
Charlotte has consistently demonstrated strong economic performance, solidifying its status as a national leader in both population and economic growth. As of May 2025, new census data indicated that the city added approximately 23,000 new residents over the previous year, elevating Charlotte to the 14th-largest city in the United States. This growth underscores the city’s increasing desirability for families, professionals, and businesses alike.
Between 2022 and 2023, the Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) increased by 4.7 percent. This growth rate surpassed that of the nation, which saw a 2.9 percent increase, and the State of North Carolina, which grew by 3.0 percent over the same period. Furthermore, Charlotte ranked 10th among large U.S. cities for economic growth from 2019 to 2023, experiencing a 38% GDP surge, nearly 4% population growth, and a 1% decrease in unemployment. These figures reflect the city’s robust economic vitality and its ability to attract and retain significant capital and talent, further benefiting Charlotte small business owners and a growing pool of North Carolina entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Continued Growth
The acquisition of 300 South Tryon by Cousins Properties is a testament to the enduring appeal of Charlotte NC business opportunities and the city’s dynamic real estate market. Such substantial private investments not only reflect current economic health but also lay the groundwork for future growth, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive and entrepreneurial endeavors are supported. Charlotte’s commitment to a balanced economic expansion, coupled with strategic private sector engagement, ensures its continued prosperity.
We encourage our readers to continue supporting local businesses and engaging with initiatives that promote sustainable economic development across Charlotte. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of our thriving community and ensures that Charlotte small business owners and North Carolina entrepreneurs can continue to achieve personal and collective success.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 300 South Tryon Acquisition
- What was the acquisition price for the 300 South Tryon office building?
- The acquisition price for the 300 South Tryon office building was $317.5 million.
- When did Cousins Properties acquire 300 South Tryon?
- Cousins Properties announced the acquisition on February 5, 2026, with the transaction closing on February 2, 2026.
- What are the key features of the 300 South Tryon building?
- The 300 South Tryon building is a 638,000-square-foot, 25-story lifestyle office property, built in 2017. It is LEED Gold-certified and includes a 4,000-square-foot showroom, over 5,000 square feet of retail space on the mezzanine level, and floorplates ranging from 18,953 to 27,204 square feet. Amenities include a direct connection to the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, on-site food and beverage options, and a fitness club.
- Is the 300 South Tryon building currently leased?
- Yes, the 300 South Tryon building is 100% leased with a weighted average lease term of six years.
- Who was the previous owner and anchor tenant of 300 South Tryon?
- The previous owner of the 300 South Tryon office building was Barings, which also serves as the anchor tenant and has its global headquarters there, leasing approximately 30% of the property.
- How is Cousins Properties funding this acquisition?
- The acquisition will be funded through a combination of proceeds from non-core asset sales, debt financing, and/or the settlement of previously issued common shares. Cousins is under contract to sell Harborview Plaza in Tampa and a land parcel at 303 Tremont in Charlotte for combined gross proceeds of $63.2 million.
- What is Cousins Properties’ investment strategy in markets like Charlotte?
- Cousins Properties focuses on investing in Class A office buildings in high-growth Sun Belt markets, including Charlotte. Their strategy centers on acquiring trophy assets and making opportunistic investments, leveraging expertise in property management, leasing, and development.
- What are the current economic trends in Charlotte?
- Charlotte is a national leader in population and economic growth. As of May 2025, it added approximately 23,000 new residents over the past year, becoming the 14th-largest city in the United States. The Real GDP for the Charlotte MSA increased by 4.7 percent between 2022 and 2023, surpassing national and State of North Carolina growth rates for the same period. From 2019 to 2023, Charlotte ranked 10th among large U.S. cities for economic growth, with a 38% GDP surge, nearly 4% population growth, and a 1% drop in unemployment.
Key Features of the 300 South Tryon Acquisition
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acquiring Company | Cousins Properties |
| Acquired Property | 300 South Tryon Office Building |
| Location | Uptown Charlotte |
| Acquisition Price | $317.5 million |
| Acquisition Date Announced | February 5, 2026 |
| Transaction Close Date | February 2, 2026 |
| Property Size | 638,000 square feet |
| Building Status | 100% leased |
| Weighted Average Lease Term | Six years |
| Year Built | 2017 |
| Previous Owner | Barings |
| Anchor Tenant | Barings (leasing approximately 30%) |
| Building Certification | LEED Gold-certified |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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