Chiquita inks deal for NASCAR Plaza space

Chiquita Brands International has signed a lease for more than 130,000 square feet in the NASCAR Plaza building uptown, real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer announced Monday.

The banana giant announced last year it was moving its corporate headquarters from downtown Cincinnati to uptown. Chiquita will occupy six floors in NASCAR Plaza by September.

"We are pleased to finalize the location of our new global headquarters in Charlotte," said Fernando Aguirrre, chairman and chief executive officer. "NASCAR Plaza is the perfect location to base our global operations, and we look forward to joining the vibrant business community in the Uptown Area."

Broker Warren M. Snowdon, senior vice president in Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer's Charlotte office said in a statement it was an honor to represent Chiquita on their relocation.

Ralph Oldham, Cristy Nine and Patrick McCoy of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer, in conjunction with Alan Bascom of Cushman & Wakefield Corporate Occupier & Investment Services, handled the lease negotiations on behalf of Chiquita. Anne Vulcano and Jessica Brown with CBRE represented the landlord, Trinity Capital Advisors.

LSP3 has been retained as the architectural firm.