In Charlotte, luxurious penthouses lure residents with sweeping views and a promise the high life.
By Lee McCracken
Stefan Latorre and his wife, Cindy, don't get away from the city — they escape to it. The Latorres own a two-story penthouse at The Ratcliffe, a 57-unit complex on South Tryon Street in Charlotte. Their prestigious address claims such high-profile residents as Charlotte Bobcats owner Robert Johnson, Nascar driver Jeff Gordon, and former Carolina Panther Rodney Peete.
Latorre, 43, a lawyer and restaurateur — he owns Latorre's and Aquavina (located on the second floor of The Ratcliffe) — admits he wasn't in the market for a condo, but he was astonished when he toured the penthouse and saw the view.
Compared to other uptown towers that target the twentysomething crowd with a bevy of amenities, The Ratcliffe provides the private atmosphere Latorre seeks at the end of a busy day. The building offers secured parking, on-site concierge, and 24-hour computer-monitored security.
"This is marketed toward the business professional," Latorre says. "For most people here, this is not their primary residence."
The Latorres split their time between their suburban South Charlotte home and the Center City condo. The 2,750-square-foot penthouse is where the family stays when Charlotte Bobcats and Carolina Panthers games bring them to the Center City. For daughters Raquel, 7, and Isabelle, 2, Discovery Place and ImaginOn are favorite city activities.
"I like things simple. I like a clean, modern look," says Latorre, reflecting on the clutter-less condo that he and his wife have decorated with a minimal approach. "When you enter, the first thing you see is the windows," says Latorre.
"I didn't want anything blocking the view."
Kevin and Leslie Archer, who own 16 Bojangles' restaurants in five counties in the Charlotte area, closed the door on their five-bedroom home in Hickory in June 2006, and, after a brief layover at an apartment in Phillips Place in Charlotte, opened the door to their 4,000-square-foot penthouse in uptown Charlotte at 230 South Tryon in January 2007. The couple, with two of their four children still at home, now are greeted by a uniformed doorman, and they ride the elevator to their home, which once was part of the 13-story Mass Mutual Building.
For years, the Archers, who are Carolina Panther luxury-suite holders, considered moving to the city. "Whenever we wanted to have a good time, we found ourselves coming into Charlotte," says Leslie.
Although the Archers lost two bedrooms, a garage, and a yard from the sale of their house in Hickory (the square footage remained the same), they gained all the amenities of urban living at the luxury condominium complex, from granite and marble floors in the lobby that also features a grand piano, to the fitness center, cyber cafe, and rooftop terrace with an upscale restaurant and bar.
"I do not miss my garage or yard," says Kevin. "It was freeing to give away all my tools — no more junk taking up useless space."
The Archers' penthouse faces west. On a clear day, the foothills of the western North Carolina mountains rise above the Charlotte skyline. "We bought the view," says Leslie, pointing out Bank of America Stadium, Gateway Village, and Johnson & Wales University, as well as the site of the future minor-league baseball stadium.
While the penthouse speaks to style and sophistication, Leslie is quick to emphasize it's truly a well lived-in home. "It isn't so much of a showplace," she says. Whether relaxing in the den and fighting their teenagers for the remote for the 72-inch plasma television, or grilling dinner and entertaining friends on the large balcony, the Archers admit, however, that the time they spend at home isn't what it used to be. "I never get in my car on the weekends except to go to Temple," says Kevin. "There's so much entertainment all within walking distance."
For a closer look at the Latorre's and Archer's penthouse views, pick up a copy of North Carolina Signature magazine, available on newsstands or by calling (800) 948-1409.
