Hurt Building facts for kids
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Hurt Building
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Hurt Building in 2020
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 Location in Downtown Atlanta
Location in Atlanta
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
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| Built | 1913-1926 |
| Architect | Carpenter, J.E.R. |
| Architectural style | Skyscraper |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000431 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1977 |
The Hurt Building is a tall, 18-story building in Atlanta, Georgia. It has a very unique triangular shape. Built between 1913 and 1926, it was one of the first skyscrapers in the United States. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta first called this building home. It was updated in 1985 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Contents
About the Hurt Building
The Hurt Building is famous for its interesting triangular design. This shape was needed because of the land it was built on. It looks a bit like the famous Flatiron Building in New York City. The building is made with a strong steel frame and reinforced concrete. Its outside walls are made of marble and glazed brick. It also has fancy terra cotta decorations.
Inside, one of the coolest parts is a three-story domed rotunda. This round room has a beautiful chandelier from 1913. The ceiling is decorated with shiny gold leaf and sunburst designs. A grand marble staircase leads to the Venetian Room, which is used for events.
Its Amazing History
Who Was Joel Hurt?
The Hurt Building is named after Joel Hurt, a very important businessman in Atlanta. He was a busy developer who helped build many parts of the city. He had already built Atlanta's first skyscraper, the original Equitable Building, many years before.
Joel Hurt also helped start the city's first electric streetcar system. This system connected downtown Atlanta to a new neighborhood he developed called Inman Park. He also helped create the Trust Company of Georgia, which later became SunTrust Bank.
Building a Landmark
Joel Hurt made the first drawings for the building himself. Later, he chose a well-known architect named J.E.R. Carpenter from New York to finish the design. Carpenter was born near Nashville, Tennessee.
When it was finished, the Hurt Building was the 17th largest office building in the world! It is a great example of the "Chicago School" style of architecture. This style was made famous by architects like Louis Sullivan.
Building the Hurt Building took a long time, from 1913 to 1926. This was a tough time for the economy, and World War I also caused delays. Because of this, some parts of the building, like the wings and courtyard, weren't finished until 1924. The main part of the building was ready in 1913.
The very first tenant moved into the Hurt Building in October 1913. This was the new Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. They stayed there until their own building was ready in 1918.
Modern Updates
Many years later, starting in 1983, the Hurt Building got a full makeover. It was completely renovated inside and out and reopened in 1985.
In 2009, the Hurt Building, at 96 years old, became the first commercial office building in Georgia to earn a special award called LEED-EBOM Gold Certification. This award means the building is very energy efficient and good for the environment. It also received the BOMA 360 designation, which recognizes excellent building management.
Images for kids
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Rear section of the building
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Side of the building
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In relation to buildings around it
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Back of building
