Summary

TIAA began a comprehensive renovation of its Charlotte campus in early 2020, including the addition/renovation of three major amenities: an expansive food hall, a high-end fitness facility, and an onsite pharmacy, to create an all-encompassing, state-of-the-art environment providing associates with the flexibility required to manage day-to-day living including work and health and wellness. IA’s Strategy team led TIAA stakeholders and employees through workshops, interviews, benchmarking, and focus groups, as well as an associate survey, to establish campus goals.

The 23,000-square-foot food hall, the largest of the amenities, is a flexible hub—an environment for dining, collaboration or focused work, and recreation. The food hall celebrates an array of cuisines; flexible seating arrangements accommodate varied postures and shifting needs throughout the day, with the user experience enhanced by architectural elements and graphics created by IA’s design and experimental design teams collaborating with TIAA’s food service team. Also available is a smaller marketplace is a convenient grab-and-go snack bar.

The new energized and inclusive fitness center, focused on multiple approaches to fitness from personal training, individual workouts, specialized classes, weight rooms, and a water massage chair, confirm TIAA’s commitment to employee wellbeing. A live moss wall and custom reception desk of timber sourced directly from TIAA’s campus. Smart-technology lockers, large changing rooms, walk-in showers, and intuitive wayfinding complemented by graphics and invigorating lighting heighten the experience. To encourage employees to experience time outdoors, the campus also provides walking trails, mini golf, bocce ball, pickle ball, and basketball courts. With the company’s stated commitment to the environment in mind, TIAA protected the natural wetlands providing a welcoming wellness moment.

The 1,100-square-foot pharmacy offers individualized health care for employees as well as other medical conveniences. Adjacent to the Health Services Center, this feature gives employees convenient access on campus to prescription and medical assistance, providing convenience for the commuting employee population.  

The renovation reflects the company’s vision to leap forward to a new corporate standard—a modern, inviting, and safe environment that supports its users, attracts and retains top talent and enhances their ability to make a difference in serving clients, while celebrating Charlotte and the expanding professional community beyond the central business district.