News
Charlotte, N.C. (October 13, 2025) – BSA has signed a lease for 3,452 square feet on the first floor of Savona Mill, a historic adaptive reuse and mixed-use development led by Portman and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The award-winning architecture and engineering firm will relocate to a newly delivered spec suite this October, marking the second office lease completed at Savona Mill in recent months.
BSA joins BGW, the development’s first office tenant, which moved into its new space just 30 days ago. Together, the tenants represent growing momentum for the landmark property, which is bringing new energy to Charlotte’s West End with a thoughtful mix of office, retail, and community-focused spaces. Savona Mill is also adjacent to the Stewart Creek Greenway, a pedestrian trail that Portman expanded as part of the redevelopment. Office opportunities at Savona Mill are available and include customizable shell spaces suited for larger users and one remaining 8,816-square-foot, move-in-ready spec suite.
“We are seeing significant interest in both retail and office leasing at Savona Mill, including conversations with larger-format users who are drawn to the character and scale of the project,” said Claiborne Mulhern, Vice President of Office Leasing at Foundry Commercial. “BSA’s move is another exciting milestone that underscores the strong appeal of this one-of-a-kind adaptive reuse development.”
Savona Mill development also features Vera at Savona Mill, a 319-unit midrise multifamily community. The first phase was delivered earlier this year and is already more than 60% leased, with momentum continuing to build. Vera offers a mix of studios, lofts, townhomes, and one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as top-tier amenities, including a resort-style pool, a pet spa and dog park, a state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga studio, game room and coworking lounge. Portman will launch construction on Vera’s second phase next summer.
“Savona Mill represents one of the most unique mixed-use experiences in the market,” said Mahesh Mani, Vice President of Asset Management for Portman. “The office leasing momentum is a strong testament to the vibrant charm that is only found within a thoughtfully designed historic redevelopment. We look forward to welcoming BSA to Savona Mill’s highly energized and amenitized workplace environment.”
Foundry Commercial’s Claiborne Mulhern and John Ball represented the landlord in the transaction. Patrick Byrnes of JLL represented BSA. The spec suite that BSA will occupy was designed by Redline Design Group and constructed by Enbloc Construction.
“We’re excited to move into a space that not only reflects the creativity and innovation at the heart of our work, but also fosters the collaborative culture that defines BSA,” said Adam Chahulski, Principal and Studio Director at BSA. “Savona Mill’s historic character and central location make it an inspiring place for our team and our clients as we continue to grow in Charlotte.”
Foundry Commercial is deeply involved with the redevelopment of Savona Mill. John Ball and Claiborne Mulhern are leading office leasing efforts, while Keely Hines manages retail leasing. Foundry Commercial’s Bob Hoak and Jordan Peterson oversaw project management for the spec suite buildout, and the firm is handling property management duties as well. For leasing inquiries, please contact Foundry Commercial at 704-523-0272.
About Portman:
Portman is a real estate development company with a rich history of developing premier projects that span five decades and three continents. The company was founded by famed architect and developer John C. Portman Jr. who originally pioneered the concept of the architect as a developer and created a global legacy of large-scale mixed-use developments. The company is now led by Chairman and CEO Ambrish Baisiwala and President John Portman IV. Today, Portman Holdings’ multi-faceted expertise sets the standard of excellence for developing office, residential, industrial, hospitality, and retail mixed-use complexes and stand-alone developments nationally across the USA. Each line of business is led by a Managing Director and supported by a corporate structure. For more information visit www.portmanholdings.com.
About Foundry Commercial:
Foundry Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate services and investment company operating across office, industrial, retail, multi-family, healthcare, religious, and not-for-profit asset classes and clients. Focused on the Sun Belt markets, Foundry is sustained by more than 4,000 associates operating from 12 markets, providing leasing and management on more than 77 million square feet and over 4,590 seniors housing units, typically executing over $2 billion in leasing, tenant rep, and investment sale transactions annually. Foundry’s development and investment platform is fully integrated with its services business and is currently invested in over $4.8 billion in joint ventures with many of the best-known institutional investors in the country. For more information, visit www.foundrycommercial.com.