The Windsor Condos for Sale

Conv. 2002

Boutique loft conversion, First Ward

525 N College St, First Ward / Uptown 28202 · Built 1925 (converted 2002) · 62 residences · 8 floors

The Windsor is one of Charlotte's most considered historic loft conversions — a 1925 industrial building reimagined as sixty-two true loft residences. Original timber beams, exposed brick demising walls, and twelve-to-fourteen-foot ceilings give it a residential character that no new-construction tower in Uptown can replicate.

Adaptive reuse conversions of this caliber are vanishingly rare in Charlotte. The Windsor's developer preserved the original sash windows, the cast-iron column structure, and the freight elevator (still operational, restored). The result is a building that feels closer to TriBeCa or the South End of Boston than to Charlotte's typical post-2000 condominium product.

Buyers tend to be design principals, art collectors, and senior media executives who want a true loft — not a 'loft-style' condo. Many residences feature preserved freight doors, original hardwood floors, and twenty-foot windows.

Pricing is concentrated in the $700K–$2M range, with corner penthouses (the rare units that cleared the original parapet) trading higher when they surface. The Windsor's resale market is one of the tightest in Uptown — most units sell within forty-five days.

The Windsor at a Glance

Year Built
1925
Total Residences
62
Median Sale
$1.2M
Max Ceiling Height
14 ft

Floor Plans & Price Tiers

  • Loft Residences — 1,100 – 1,600 sqft, $700K – $1.1M. Open-plan single-bedroom lofts with original brick, timber, and twenty-foot windows.
  • 2 Bedroom Lofts — 1,700 – 2,400 sqft, $1.2M – $1.8M. Two-bedroom layouts with mezzanine or partial-wall division — preserving the open volume.
  • Corner Penthouse Lofts — 2,600 – 3,400 sqft, $2.1M – $3.4M. Top-floor corner residences with preserved freight doors, private rooftop access, and skyline views.

Building Amenities

  • Restored Freight Elevator — Original 1925 freight elevator (operational and inspected) — a defining feature of the building.
  • Rooftop Common Deck — Eighth-floor common deck with skyline orientation and gas grill stations.
  • Resident Bike Storage — Secured indoor bike storage — heavily used given proximity to the LYNX Blue Line and B-cycle stations.
  • Secure Parking Garage — Deeded parking spaces in a secured covered garage adjacent to the building.
  • Concierge & Package Service — Part-time concierge with secure package management for residents.

Living at The Windsor

First Ward is the design-driven corner of Uptown, anchored by First Ward Park, the McColl Center, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Windsor sits within walking distance of all three.

Residents tend to be design-literate and use the building as a base for cultural Uptown — Levine Center for the Arts, Knight Theater, and the increasingly serious gallery row on North Davidson.

The Windsor is also the closest tier-one condo building to the LYNX 9th Street station, which puts NoDa, South End, and the airport on a direct light rail line.

Who The Windsor Suits

  • Design principals, art collectors, and creative-industry executives
  • Buyers seeking authentic loft living — not loft-style new construction
  • Empty-nesters who want walkable Uptown without high-rise homogeneity
  • Out-of-state principals comparing The Windsor to TriBeCa, NoMad, or SoMa lofts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Windsor a true loft or a loft-style condo?

The Windsor is a true historic loft conversion. Original timber beams, exposed brick, sash windows, and the freight elevator are all preserved structural elements — not decorative finishes added during conversion. Compare with newer 'loft-style' condos and the difference is immediate.

Does The Windsor have a pool or fitness center?

No — and this is intentional. The Windsor preserves residential square footage by limiting common amenities to the rooftop deck and secure storage. Residents typically use the Uptown YMCA or private studios within walking distance.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, with reasonable allowances. First Ward Park is one block away and serves as the primary dog-walking area for residents.

How does The Windsor compare to South End loft conversions?

South End loft conversions (Atherton Mill, etc.) are mostly newer, larger, and more amenity-driven. The Windsor offers older, smaller, more design-pure inventory at higher per-square-foot pricing — and significantly higher walkability to central Uptown.

What's the typical hold period at The Windsor?

Five to twelve years. Residents tend to commit to the building once they buy in, and turnover is among the lowest in Uptown.