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life at the top While the real estate market was booming a few years ago, “McMansions” were being squeezed into subdivisions all over the Charlotte metro. Meanwhile, the Uptown area was undergoing a revolution; luxury condo buildings were popping up everywhere. With super-size units, incredible interiors, rooftops pools and fitness centers, today’s condo buildings provide a welcome alternative for high-end buyers who prefer to be in the middle of the action rather than watching it from the sidelines in the ‘burbs. The idea of a penthouse condo/apartment was born in New York City in the 1920’s. And, while the common thread of penthouse units is that they are generally found on the top floors of a building, their architecture and style are as unique as the people who live in them. I recently spent an evening touring four penthouse condos in and near Uptown. With their luxury finishes, car wash-size showers, and fully-stocked, glass-door refrigerators, these residences could rival any episode of MTV’s “Cribs”. Fortunately, each of the Charlotte penthouse owners spared me the “This is where the magic happens” quote when we entered their master bedrooms.