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WBT-WBTV Building, Charlotte. N. C. Construction j n NORTH CAROLINA • Architecture, /. Norman Pease & Company, Charlotte • Contractor, Southeastern Construction Company, Charlotte • Decorator, Dorothy Baker Billinss, Charlotte Colossus of the Carolines The South’s Oldest Radio Station Overlooks Charlotte From a New, Million-Hollar Home, t On April 10, 1922, the Depart¬ ment of Commerce of the United States issued a commercial license to Radio Station WBT in Charlotte — the first such license to be granted anywhere in the South. This year, as the South’s oldest radio station reached its 35th Anni¬ versary, it could reflect on the past amid the luxurious comforts and con¬ veniences of a new million-dollar building, termed by experts one of the finest in the whole country. The new building, which houses both radio and television facilities was completed in 1955 and dedicated on April 13 — Jefferson's birthday. It of the Nation’s Finest. By J. B. CLARK is a two-story brick, concrete and steel structure located just off West More- head Street in Charlotte, on a six- acre tract which the City Council has honored by officially changing the name to One Jefferson Place, which serves as the official mailing address of both WBT and WBTV. 127 Rooms Containing some 47,000 square feet of floor space, with ample room provided for future expansion when needed, the building is completely equipped with every electronic device necessary for modern radio and tele¬ vision broadcasting. There arc 127 separate rooms in the building, in¬ cluding three radio studios, two TV studios, separate radio and TV con¬ trol rooms, recording studios, re¬ hearsal hall, audition booths, music library, complete news department, rest lounges, viewing booths for guests and an up-to-date cafeteria for con¬ venience of employees and visitors. Humble Beginning The story of WBT-WBTV’s rise in the world of modern communication is fully as fabulous as the splendid CONSTRUCTION IN NORTH CAROLINA 23