Fresh Looks at Founders Hall
By Kirsten Martin and Emmaline Harvey

It’s that time of year again: spring cleaning. Why not cheer up your chores this May by freshening up your closet during your Charlotte visit? Spend a day at Founders Hall (Bank of America Building, 100 N. Tryon St., 704-716-8649), where any visitor is guaranteed to find a fresh new wardrobe among the vast array of stores. Founders Hall provides visitors with numerous possibilities for their day—whether it be shopping at the boutiques, catching a show at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, or viewing the beautiful frescoes by North Carolina artist Ben Long.

If colorful yet classy women’s clothing is on your list, stop by Belle Ville (704-344-8413), a boutique that samples some of Europe’s finest chic fashion, including pieces from Italy, France, and Belgium. Though fashionable, all of the pieces at Belle Ville are practical and comfortable for any outing. If you’re looking for a more casual look, Julie’s Too (704-331-0012) combines fun with fashion for a line of women’s sportswear, perfect for a woman in the workplace. Along with novelty sweaters and spring dresses, Julie’s Too offers accessories and shoes to complement all of their apparel. Burke & Co. (704-347-3472) features chic 18- and 14-carat gold and sterling silver jewelry, as well as casual, career, and cocktail apparel for women. While browsing for the perfect outfit, send the husband to Jos. A. Bank Clothiers (704-338-1852), the leading expert in business, dress, and business casual attire, for a crisp new look this season.

For special gifts for family and friends, blis (704-376-3888) offers seasonal gift items, corporate gifts, and specialty baskets. Gifts from the boutique include European soaps, children’s toys from Manhattan Toy Company, and baskets for baby showers, holidays, birthdays, and event favors. The readers in the family will love The Bookmark’s (704-377-2565) infinite selection of hardback, paperback, and audiobooks. The store also features an assortment of greeting cards, calendars, and book-related accessories for everyone on your list.

Perhaps the most unique store in Founders Hall is the Bank of America Heritage Center and Company Store (704-387-6075), carrying an extensive collection of branded merchandise from Bank of America, whose global headquarters are right above you. From golf bags to apparel to mugs to watches, the possibilities are endless. In addition to shopping, the facility  features a state-of-the-art museum with historical banking artifacts and memorabilia from the bank’s history. Also within Founders Hall is a Bank of America  branch, a 1,700-square-foot facility, including two ATMs for added convenience.

Not only does Founders Hall offer shopping venues for clothing and gifts, it also allows visitors to run those last-minute errands that arise when traveling. After picking up that perfect dress for a night on the town, have it hemmed or altered at Trini’s Alterations (704-372-5391). Is your suit wrinkled from the long flight? Drop it off at Sunrise Cleaners (704-373-0156) to quickly get it pressed to perfection. If you’re trying to make a great first impression on your new client you have to pick up, make a pit stop at First Impressions Auto Care (704-342-3042) for full-service auto detailing.

Finally, before you leave the building, take a few moments to view the breathtaking work of Statesville, NC native Ben Long. A seasoned painter who studied with master artist Pietro Annigoni in Florence, Long’s works grace the walls, ceilings, and domes of many well-known Charlotte buildings. His frescoes are located next to Founders Hall in the Bank of America Corporate Center.