Progressive Companies Makes Strategic Move to 16,500 Square-foot Office at Camp North End

Full-service architecture, engineering, and consulting firm Progressive Companies is expanding in Charlotte, North Carolina. Focusing on growing expertise and staffing in areas like engineering, education, health and wellness, and science and industry, the firm has outgrown its current space in Uptown and will relocate to Camp North End, Charlotte's vibrant 76-acre hub for work, play, events, and community.

Located in Suite 200 of the 90,000-square-foot Gama Goat Building (1801 N. Graham St.),the firm’s new 16,500-square-foot office will accommodate current staff and provide flexibility for growth. The firm has signed a 10-year lease with the opportunity to add another five years. Design for the new space is underway and Choate Construction will do the build-out. The team hopes to move from its 11,500-square-footspace at 330 S. Tryon St. in late fall.

“We were looking for a ‘wow’ space, and we found that in the Gama Goat building,” said Jeff Roman, Director of Engineering at Progressive Companies. “I watched our team recently experience the space for the first time, and their reactions were exactly what we were looking for.” 

The firm wanted the new space to be somewhere employees and prospective hires would be excited to work—as well as somewhere they would be proud to host clients. According to leadership, the team found that at Camp North End, a lively and energetic campus which hosted over 700 events last year and is located in an area experiencing continued growth. There are also three other AE firms with offices in Camp North End creating the potential for future collaboration.

The building has an impressive history with ties to the automotive industry, reminding employees of the connection to Progressive Companies’ Grand Rapids, MI and Detroit, MI offices. As an adaptive reuse, it fits well within the firm’s sustainability goals and values, and the building and entire campus are Fitwel Certified for good health and good business.

“We need room for our rapid growth but want to keep the ‘studio’ feel of everyone in one big space,” said Roman. “The building has a very cool story to tell. Plus, Camp North End has such a great vibe, they offer so many events for us to enjoy year-round, and there’s much more to come out there. It was a pretty easy decision, and we can’t wait to move in!”

The office is large enough to accommodate the current staff of 60 and future growth of 100 or more. The open floor plan means staff can all work together on the same floor and see each other easily across the space. The team can also explore new ways of working. They’ll be able to implement a “living room” space within the breakroom and add booth seating. There will also be flexible strategy rooms for visioning and project pursuits. Tenant parking at Camp North End is free.

“With a mission of transforming spaces and empowering people, Progressive Companies aligns seamlessly with Camp North End and the values that drive us forward,” said Tommy Mann, Development Director of Camp North End. “We’re proud that Progressive Companies has chosen our community to plant and grow their Carolina operations and we welcome them to the growing roster of architecture and engineering firms that call Camp home.”

Progressive Companies rebranded in March 2024 with a new name, brand, and a new website at weareprogressive.com. The team is excited to showcase the brand within the new office space. They also recently celebrated the grand opening of Charlotte’s Sullenberger Aviation Museum where they provided architectural and engineering services. As the firm continues to diversify and expand, its commitment to inclusive and sustainable design continues to benefit clients and communities across the nation.

Progressive Companies was represented by Jaime Boast and Chris Schaaf of JLL in the transaction. Camp North End was represented by Rhea Greene, Jennifer Kurz, and Chase Merkel of Trinity Partners.

About Progressive Companies

We are designers of a bold new future, creating high-performance structures and pathways that deliver what clients need today and preparing them for what’s to come. Our portfolio is broad and deep, representing many industries and communities throughout the nation. Employee owners bring an entrepreneurial spirit to our work because when our projects and partners succeed, so do we. The firm is dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve through volunteer opportunities, corporate sponsorships, and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive design. We have offices in Charlotte, NC, Detroit, MI, and Grand Rapids, MI. Visit www.weareprogressive.com to learn more.

About Camp North End

Developed by ATCO Properties & Management, Camp North End is a state-of-the-art creative development that is being designed and curated to cater to today’s most innovative and cutting-edge companies in Charlotte. Select Camp North End buildings are being jointly developed by ATCO and Shorenstein Properties, LLC.

As one of the largest adaptive reuse projects currently underway in the U.S., the project is transforming a historic 76-acresite where people once manufactured Model T cars and assembled US Army missiles into a catalytic hub of creativity and ideas.

With over 300,000 square feet of space already redeveloped for work, artistic expression, dining and hospitality, entertainment, recreation, and community building, and another 1.5 million square feet on the way including the first multifamily deliveries in late 2024,Camp North End's curated development will drive growth for the businesses that join its community.

For more information about Camp North End, visit the official Camp North End website at https://camp.nc/ or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn at @campnorthend.

About ATCO

ATCO is a real estate investment and ownership platform deploying capital in select cities across the United States, with a particular emphasis on creating value through placemaking and other strategies in urban locations. ATCO seeks to improve people’s lives by creating places where they genuinely want to work, play, or live, and by doing our work with a long-term perspective. 

Through eight decades and four generations, ATCO has owned, managed, and developed a diverse real estate portfolio, primarily in and around New York City and also in select markets we target.  ATCO presently owns and manages more than 25 buildings ranging from high-rise office and residential towers to retail properties, from one-story industrial structures to a mixed-use former military base. The portfolio of New York City properties includes: 555 Fifth Avenue, 40 Central Park South,41 West 58th Street, 630 Third Avenue, 381 and 373 Park Avenue South, and 515 Madison Avenue. Nationally, the company owns properties in Austin, Texas; Darien and Westport, Connecticut. Internationally, ATCO has investments in seven European countries.