Five Points Plaza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Five Points Plaza |
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Five Points Plaza in 2020
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| Former names | First Federal Building, 40 Marietta Street |
| General information | |
| Type | Commercial offices |
| Location | 40 Marietta Street NW Atlanta, Georgia |
| Coordinates | 33°45′18″N 84°23′27″W / 33.755091°N 84.390841°W |
| Completed | 1964 |
| Height | |
| Roof | 73 m (240 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 17 |
| Floor area | 122,503 sq ft (11,380.9 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Tomberlin and Sheets |
| Main contractor | Barge and Company |
The Five Points Plaza, also known as 40 Marietta Street, is a cool, tall building in Atlanta, Georgia. It stands 17 stories high, which is about 73 meters (240 feet)! This impressive skyscraper was built in 1964. It was first designed to be the main office for the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Atlanta.
What makes Five Points Plaza special is its unique look, which some people describe as having an "Oriental" style. It also has a really clever design inside: it doesn't have any big columns taking up space! This was a big deal when it was built, making it one of the tallest buildings in the United States at the time to use a special construction method called "post-tensioned concrete." Today, the building is used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, often called HUD, for their Atlanta offices.
Contents
Discovering Five Points Plaza's Unique Design
This building really stands out in Atlanta because of its special look. When it was built, architects wanted to create something different and eye-catching.
How the Building Stands Tall Without Columns
Imagine a big room with no pillars in the middle – that's what Five Points Plaza achieved! Most tall buildings need thick columns to hold up the floors. But this building used a smart technique called "post-tensioned concrete." This means strong steel cables were stretched and tightened inside the concrete floors. It's like pulling a really tight rubber band through a block of play-doh to make it super strong. This method allowed the architects to create wide-open spaces inside, which was very modern and useful for offices.
A Look at the Building's Striking Appearance
The outside of Five Points Plaza has a distinct architectural style. It's known for its clean lines and interesting details that give it a unique feel compared to other buildings from the same time. This design choice made it a landmark in downtown Atlanta.
The Building's Purpose: Past and Present
Buildings often change owners and uses over time, and Five Points Plaza is a great example of that.
From Savings Bank to Government Offices
When it first opened in 1964, Five Points Plaza was home to the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Atlanta. This was a place where people could save their money and get loans. It was an important part of the city's financial life.
What the Department of Housing and Urban Development Does
Today, the building is fully used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD is a part of the United States government. Its main job is to help people have safe and affordable homes. They work on programs that help families find housing, prevent homelessness, and improve neighborhoods. So, the offices in Five Points Plaza play a role in helping people in Atlanta and beyond.
Location in the Heart of Atlanta
Five Points Plaza is located at 40 Marietta Street NW, right in the middle of downtown Atlanta.
Why the "Five Points" Area is Important
The "Five Points" area is a very historic and central part of Atlanta. It's where several main streets meet, making it a busy hub for transportation and business. Being located here means Five Points Plaza is easy to get to and is part of a lively part of the city. It's a place where many different parts of Atlanta come together.
