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Well the news finally dropped, three tower development + potential hotel in SouthEnd by Riverside Investment & Development with one building around 600'+. was announced today. I find it interesting that according to the same sources, Charlotte has dozens and dozens more projects in the pipeline. For some reason Charlotte's projects are under the radar, there is a 31 story apartment building to be built around (1718 South Blvd) for example that was never really announced and another unannounced building to be built around (600 S Tryon) just to name a few. While more than half of them probably wont happen, that's definitely something interesting. https://www.google.com/maps/@35.2203...7i16384!8i8192 https://www.bizjournals.com/charlott...ar-uptown.html
In 5 years, Charlotte's core area will be completely transformed. The gap between SouthEnd will be completely closed. It's crazy just how many under utilized lots are in between SouthEnd and Uptown. Charlotte definitely needs more infill but it's getting better every year. Charlotte's urban core is no longer a 3x3 block area like it used to be, it's transforming quick. Just last year, South End didn't have a skyline and now it has a couple 300 footers and tons in the 150-300 range and more being announced constantly.
Currently Charlotte has more buildings in height, but Nashville is closing the gap in density. With the amount of projects Nashville has, the gap should be similar if not about the same. The only difference is the height gap. If BNA approves the runway expansion then the height codes for the downtown area could change. Aesthetically speaking, Charlotte will be ahead for awhile. The Bank of America building is pretty iconic, not Hancock or Sears tower iconic, but more so than Nashville's batman building. I don't think Nashville has anything to compete, at least for now.
I drove through both cities a few weekends ago. Both are looking very nice and lively, but Charlotte is much more breathtaking and visually impressive in person. There are some angles (like the one posted a few comments above) that make Charlotte look much larger and denser and show off much of its character compared to any view I've ever seen of Nashville.
Currently Charlotte has more buildings in height, but Nashville is closing the gap in density. With the amount of projects Nashville has, the gap should be similar if not about the same. The only difference is the height gap. If BNA approves the runway expansion then the height codes for the downtown area could change. Aesthetically speaking, Charlotte will be ahead for awhile. The Bank of America building is pretty iconic, not Hancock or Sears tower iconic, but more so than Nashville's batman building. I don't think Nashville has anything to compete, at least for now.
As long as economic conditions allow, Nashville will surpass Charlotte in number of buildings over 300 feet, as soon as 2030, I think--if not sooner.
Charlotte has a lot of projects going up and pending, but Nashville seems to have a lot more in the pipeline, at least from what is published. If just half of the proposed/approved Nashville skyscrapers are built, that's another 18-20 over 300 feet built over the next several years. Charlotte will be close too, but I think Nashville has more going on and passes Charlotte.
As you mentioned, the height aspect is all that is lacking in Nashville due to FAA restrictions downtown.
But if the runway at the airport is built, I think the potential to increase height downtown could happen, and the height cap could be more flexible.
Agreed, the problem with Nashville is, nothing really sticks out with their buildings. Most of the buildings are generic rectangular glass boxes, excluding the bat man building. Even though it's unique, I personally think it's an overall ugly building. Nashville needs a few spires or something added to at least a few of the buildings. Charlotte on the other hand has really unique architecture. Nothing world class, but definitely distinctive from the other mid tier southeastern US cities.
Here's a list of towers of at least 15 floors proposed, approved and under construction courtesy of Ron from skyscraperpage/urbanplanet that shows the sheer volume of towers announced with more coming.
My personal opinion as to which is better in the future will come down to which type of skyline you'd prefer. One with numerous shorter towers, with not many signature buildings a la Vancouver or a skyline with taller distinctive buildings but not as much volume a la Seattle.
Charlotte's skyline is definitely more unique and growing quickly.
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