121 Atlantic Place facts for kids
121 Atlantic Place is a famous old skyscraper in Jacksonville, Florida. It used to be known as the Atlantic National Bank Building. This tall building was finished in 1909. It was built to be the main office for the Atlantic National Bank. You can find it at 121 West Forsyth Street. For a few years, from 1909 to 1912, it was the tallest building in Jacksonville and even the tallest in Florida! Today, it is still used as an office building.
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History of the Building
This amazing building was designed by architects Mowbray and Uffinger from New York City. It was built between 1908 and 1909 by the James Stewart Company. The building has a strong steel frame and stands 10 stories tall. That's about 135 feet (41 meters) high! The first two floors are covered in beautiful white Sylacauga marble. The top eight floors use white terra cotta. The outside of the building has fancy designs and tall columns around the main entrance.
The Race to Be Tallest
When 121 Atlantic Place was being built, there was an exciting race! Three buildings in Jacksonville were trying to be the city's first skyscraper. These were the Atlantic National Bank Building, the Bisbee Building, and the Seminole Hotel. All three were on Forsyth Street, close to each other, and all were planned to be ten stories high.
The Atlantic National Bank Building started construction in August 1908. This was just after the Bisbee Building began, but before the Seminole Hotel. The Bisbee Building opened first the next year, winning the race to be the *first* skyscraper. However, the Atlantic National Bank Building was actually *taller* than the others, at 41 meters. This made it the tallest building in Jacksonville and the tallest in Florida at that time. It held this record until 1912, when the Florida Life Building was finished.
The Bank and Its Legacy
The Atlantic National Bank was started in 1903 by Edward W. Lane, Thomas P. Denham, and Fred W. Hoyt. They moved their bank from the nearby Dyal-Upchurch Building into this new, grand headquarters.
In 1926, the bank opened another building right behind it on West Adams Street. This building was called the Atlantic National Bank Annex. Today, it's known as the Schultz Building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 because of its historical importance.
Over the years, the Atlantic National Bank joined with other banks. In 1985, it merged with First Union. Later, First Union became part of Wachovia, which then joined Wells Fargo. The Atlantic National Bank Building itself changed owners and is now called 121 Atlantic Place. It's still a busy office building today. In the 2000s, it was updated, and a five-story addition was built on its west side.
A Secret Tunnel
One really cool thing about 121 Atlantic Place is its pedestrian tunnel. This tunnel connects it to the BB&T Bank Building. It's the only tunnel like it still used in Downtown Jacksonville! The tunnel was first made so people could travel safely and securely between the buildings. Since 1985, a small restaurant called Benny's has been located inside this unique tunnel.
See also
In Spanish: 121 Atlantic Place para niños
