Flatiron Building (Atlanta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids English-American Building |
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Alternative names | English-American Building Flatiron Building Georgia Savings Bank Building Empire Life Insurance Building |
General information | |
Type | Commercial offices |
Location | 84 Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, Georgia |
Coordinates | 33°45′22″N 84°23′19″W / 33.7562°N 84.3885°W |
Completed | 1897 |
Height | |
Roof | c. 50 m (160 ft) |
Technical details | |
Floor count | 11 |
Design and construction | |
Architect | Bradford Gilbert |
English-American Building
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Architectural style | Neo-Classical Neo-Renaissance |
NRHP reference No. | 76000626 |
Significant dates | |
Designated | March 26, 1976 |
The English-American Building, often called the Flatiron Building, is a famous building in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It was finished in 1897. You can find it at 84 Peachtree Street NW. The building stands on a special wedge-shaped city block. This block is between Peachtree Street NE, Poplar Street NW, and Broad Street NW.
This Atlanta Flatiron Building was completed five years before the more famous Flatiron Building in New York City. Both buildings share a similar unique shape, like an old-fashioned flatiron. The Atlanta building was designed by Bradford Gilbert. He was a well-known architect from the Chicago school. The New York building's designer, Daniel Burnham, was also from this school.
The Atlanta Flatiron Building has 11 stories. It is the city's second-oldest and still standing skyscraper. The city protects it as a historic building. It is located in the Fairlie-Poplar district of downtown Atlanta. The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A Unique Shape and History
The Flatiron Building gets its name from its unusual shape. It looks like the old irons people used to press clothes. This shape comes from the way the streets meet at a sharp angle. This design was popular for buildings on triangular plots of land.
When it was built in 1897, it was a very modern building. It was one of the first tall buildings, or skyscrapers, in Atlanta. Its design showed new ways of building at that time. It quickly became a landmark in the city.
What's Inside Today?
Today, the Flatiron Building is still a busy place. It is now known as FlatironCity. It hosts many new and exciting businesses. For example, it is home to a Microsoft Innovation Center. This center helps people learn about new technology.
It also has a Women's Entrepreneurship Institute. This institute supports women who want to start their own businesses. Many other entrepreneurs and startup companies also have offices here. It is a place where new ideas and businesses can grow.
A Historic Landmark
The Flatiron Building is an important part of Atlanta's history. It shows how the city has grown and changed over time. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places means it is recognized for its historical value. The city of Atlanta also protects it as a landmark.
Right across Peachtree Street from the Flatiron Building is another historic building. This is the Rhodes–Haverty Building. It stands on the north corner with Williams Street. These buildings together show the rich history of downtown Atlanta.