Battle Creek Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Central National Tower
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| Location | 70 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1931 |
| Architect | John A. Holabird, John Wellborn Root Jr. |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000218 |
| Added to NRHP | March 20, 2008 |
The Battle Creek Tower is a tall building in Battle Creek, Michigan. It's used for both businesses and homes. When it was first built, it was called the Central National Tower. It was designed as an office building. This historic tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
Contents
History of the Battle Creek Tower
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The land where the Central National Tower stands today was once home to the Marjorie Block. This building was created by C. W. Post, a famous cereal maker. He named it after his only daughter, Marjorie Merriweather Post.
In 1929, Post's wife, Leila Post Montgomery, sold the property. The Central National Bank bought it. They hired a well-known architecture firm, Holabird & Root, to design their new main office.
Building the Tower
Construction of the tower finished in mid-1931. The building became the new headquarters for Central National Bank. It also had office spaces for rent. Many important people in Battle Creek rented offices there. These included lawyers, doctors, dentists, accountants, and real estate agents.
Changes Over Time
Central National Bank stayed in the building until 1947. Then, it joined with Michigan National Bank. The bank moved its offices to a different spot.
In 1951, the Wolverine Insurance Company bought the building. They changed its name to Wolverine Tower. Later, in 1978, it became the Transamerica-Wolverine Tower. By 1984, it was simply called the Transamerica Tower.
In 2000, the Hinman Company bought the building. They renamed it the Battle Creek Tower. This company updated the building. They turned the upper floors into homes, making it a place for both businesses and residents.
A Siren on Top
In 1961, something special was added to the roof. It was one of Battle Creek’s civil defense air-raid sirens. This siren was used to warn people in case of an emergency. It is still on top of the building today.
What the Tower Looks Like
The Battle Creek Tower is a twenty-one-story building. It was designed in the Art Deco style. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It often features sleek lines and geometric shapes.
The tower has a nearly square shape at the front, facing Michigan Avenue. A four-story section extends out from the back. The outside of the tower is covered with light-colored limestone. This stone sits on a dark granite base.
Special Features
The front of the building is about 66 feet wide. It looks the same on both sides, which is called symmetrical. The main entrance is a large, square opening. It is made of gray granite.
An American Flag flies on top of the building. A Federal Thunderbolt Siren is also mounted there. The third and seventeenth floors have special carved stone panels. These panels show stylish flower designs. The tall, narrow windows on the tower make it look even taller. They really highlight the building's vertical lines.
See also
In Spanish: Battle Creek Tower para niños
