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Aviation Building (Fort Worth) facts for kids

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Aviation (Trans-American Life) Building
General information
Architectural style Zigzag Moderne
Location Fort Worth, Texas
Address Northwest corner Main and Seventh Streets
Coordinates 32°45′10″N 97°19′48″W / 32.752843°N 97.329889°W / 32.752843; -97.329889
Demolished 1978
Height 275 feet
Technical details
Floor count 16

For the similarly named building in Miami, see Aviation Building

The Aviation Building was a tall, impressive skyscraper in Fort Worth, Texas. It stood in the city center from 1930 until 1978. This 16-story building was 275 feet (about 84 meters) high. It was designed in a cool style called Zigzag Moderne. The building was first used by companies involved in the growing aviation (airplane) industry in Fort Worth. Later, it became offices for different insurance companies. In 1978, the Aviation Building was taken down to make space for a new building.

History of the Aviation Building

Building Fort Worth's Skyscrapers

At the end of the 1920s, Fort Worth was growing fast. Many new buildings were being constructed, especially tall ones called skyscrapers. These new buildings often featured the popular Art Deco style. In 1929, a businessman named A.P. Barrett decided to build a new office tower. He wanted it to be a home for the many new aviation businesses in north Texas.

Design and Style Details

The Aviation Building was finished in the summer of 1930. It was made from brown sandstone and grey granite. The building had special decorations called polychromed panels (colorful designs) and terra cotta accents. Terra cotta is a type of baked clay. These details were very common in the Zigzag Moderne style. This style was popular at the time.

Unique Cultural Decorations

One special thing about the Aviation Building was its unique decorations. These designs were inspired by ancient cultures from Central and South America. Mr. Barrett loved to travel and admired Mexican culture. He asked the main designer, Herman P. Koeppe, to add these elements to the building. You could see geometric shapes all over the inside and outside of the tower. There were also sculptures of Aztec princes with eagles. These statues were at the main entrance. They honored Mr. Barrett's interests and his company, Southern Aeromotive Service, Inc.

Changing Owners and Demolition

In the 1930s, the Aviation Building's ownership changed. It went from Mr. Barrett to Trinity Life Insurance. Over the years, other companies like Commercial Standard Insurance Company and Trans-American Life Insurance owned it. In the 1970s, the building changed hands a few more times. Finally, Continental National Bank bought the property in 1978. They wanted to build a new bank there. The Aviation Building was completely taken down on July 23, 1978.

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