The Charlotte Observer, N.C., Doug Smith column.

By Doug Smith, The Charlotte Observer, N.C. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Oct. 31--CONDOS ON WAY TO 230 SOUTH TRYON: A development trend sweeping the nation's largest cities is coming to uptown Charlotte, where a 30-year-old office building is going condo.

Spectrum Properties will team with property owner Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers to give the 13-story Mass Mutual Building at 230 S. Tryon St. an interior makeover and exterior facelift, creating up to 120 living units.

Spectrum Chairman Jim Dulin said the developers considered updating the aging structure for offices, but its 15,000-square-foot floors are too small to compete with the modern standard of 25,000 to 30,000 square feet.

"What used to be a good floor plate for offices is now perfect for condos," he said.

In cities such as New York, Los Angeles and …