10. The land that the Corporate Park sits on was originally 400 plus acres of hunting land. Owned by the Harris family, Johnny Harris was the mastermind for transforming the land into an upscale community. Ballantyne began development in 1992 and quickly grew to the 525-acre Ballantyne Corporate Park, which boasts over 2 million square feet of office space, four hotels including the luxurious Starwood property, Ballantyne Resort, recently named a Mobil 4-star establishment, The Lodge, plus the Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Travel Guide award winning Golf Course and Dana Rader Golf School. The Bissell Family of Companies is led by President, Ned Curran, and its Chairman, H.C. “Smoky” Bissell (pictured left).
9. Nestled in the middle of Chandler, Hixon and Simmons Building lies a putting green for the use of the tenants and those in the community. The annual "Knotts Cup" is held here for the tenants (2007 winner, Dave Colson, pictured left).Throughout the Corporate Park, other relaxing and equally beautiful are Cullman Park with a waterfall landscape, Hixon Pond, Horton and Patrick Park with outdoor grills and patio seating, as well as walking trails that are positioned naturally throughout the area. These parks and recreational facilities are known as the “For the People” initiative, meaning every design and placement of these parks, benches, and patios were strategically placed specifically for the people’s enjoyment, whether during the work week, or on the weekends with their families. Those with children would especially enjoy Kid Pond, a cozy park for children of all ages to spend time fishing.
8. A rare amenity of the Corporate Park is the helipad, located a few yards from Ballantyne Resort. This helipad serves as an asset to the corporate community, as well as Charlotte Mecklenburg Police and Carolinas Medical Center. With prior arrangement, guests at the Resort and office tenants in the Park may also take advantage of this unique park feature.
7. Ballantyne Magazine, published quarterly, is a general interest publication. These magazines are free and found in all Corporate Park buildings, restaurants and retail throughout Ballantyne. Scott Martin, the editor of the magazine, first published his magazine in the summer of 2000 and was 32 pages, as compared today today with over 100 pages and 40,000 in print, and an estimated 70,000 reader fan base. The magazines fly off the shelf in anticipation of the news and information that is printed.
6. The Corporate Park has in recent years taken hold of the “Go Green” initiatives as they actively seek LEED certification for the four new Class “A” buildings. Chandler, Simmons, and Hixon buildings meet the current indoor environmental standards for ENERGY STAR (rating of 75 points or higher) and was recently awarded an ENERGY STAR plaque to convey superior performance to tenants, customers, and employees. Bissell Companies employees participated in Clean AirWorks! , aproject by Mecklenburg County’s Air Quality board, promoting bike riding and carpooling during the ozone season with “Track Your Commute” program. This project won the Small Business Award in 2007 by Clean AirWorks! and is also attributed to the many bike rakes and lanes throughout the park, promoting and supporting alternate forms of transportation.
5. Gallery Restaurant is a great place for a lunch meeting! Located at Ballantyne Resort, The Gallery just received Mobil 4-Star rating, placing it as one out of 149 in the US and Canada with the rating. Ballantyne Resort (A Starwood Luxury Collection Property) is one out of 125 hotels and The Spa is an impressive 1 out of only 84! Only have a short amount of time for lunch? The best kept secret in the Park is “On the Green,” which is located in the Simmons building. The owner, Anna, serves up daily specials, including homemade Polish dumplings, known as “pierogis.” The deli also offers breakfast specials daily.
4. Ballantyne Breakfast Club and Ballantyne After Dark are forums to exchange community information. These meetings are open for anyone to attend and are a great chance to have a cup of coffee and network, as well. Mostly hosted at Ballantyne Resort, the meetings are scheduled for March 8th, May 10th, July 12th, September 13th and Nov 8th. Past speakers at the gatherings have been Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, CMS Superintend Dr. Peter Gorman, Howard Bissell III of the Bissell Companies, Bob Morgan, President of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, District 7 City Council Representative, Warren Cooksey and many others.
3. The four monuments that signify you have arrived in Ballantyne were erected by Taylor Clay Products in Salisbury and commissioned to Yugoslav artist, Boris Tomic. The carvings in the monuments represent Finance, Human Spirit, Transportation and Technology. In addition, perched on the corner of the Simmons building is a Raven, and the well known Ballantyne Bulls off of Ballantyne Corporate Park. The bulls were transported through major interstates from New Mexico and represent the community’s enthusiasm for the future. The plaque reads, ““Bullish on our families. Bullish on our work. Bullish on our country. Add value in all you do.”
2. Bissell commemorates important individuals and friends by naming buildings in their honor. This is also noticed when naming street names and parks in Ballantyne. The names of the four new buildings in Corporate Park will be: Hayes Building - Elizabeth Baxter Hayes, mother of Baxter Hayes (Mr. Bissell’s partner in Bissell Hayes Realty). Irby Building - Pierce Irby, Urologist. Harris Building - Sara Bissell’s father. Boyle Building - Lawyer and family friend of Bissell.
1. With an elegant and unique name such as Ballantyne, it is certainly well-suited for the community. It just so happens that the name originated from Barbara Ballantyne, a very dear Aunt of Chairman, HC. Bissell and his wife, Sara.
Karen Martin, Bissell Companies