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Rivergate Tower
RivergateTower.jpg
General information
Type Office
Location 400 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida
Coordinates 27°56′50″N 82°27′38″W / 27.947310°N 82.460632°W / 27.947310; -82.460632
Construction started 1986
Completed 1988
Opening 1988
Cost $150 million
Owner In-Rel Properties
Management In-Rel Properties
Height
Roof 454 ft (138 m)
Technical details
Floor count 31
Floor area 515,965 sq ft (47,934.7 m2)
Lifts/elevators 14
Design and construction
Architect Harry Wolf

The Rivergate Tower is a super tall building in Tampa, Florida. People sometimes call it the Beer Can Building because of its unique shape. It stands 454 ft (138 m) tall and has 31 floors. This makes it one of the tallest buildings in Tampa. Many offices are inside, and SouthState Bank is a main tenant.

Building History

How Rivergate Tower Was Built

Construction on the Rivergate Tower began in 1986. It was finished in 1988. The total cost to build it was $150 million. It was first built to be the main office for North Carolina National Bank. This bank later became NationsBank.

The Architect's Special Design

The architect who designed Rivergate Tower was Harry Wolf. He used a special math pattern called the Fibonacci sequence. In this pattern, each number is the sum of the two before it. This means that each floor tile and window pane in the building is a bit bigger than the one next to it.

The building is covered in limestone from France and Texas. This makes it one of the tallest limestone buildings in the world. Its round shape was designed to look like a lighthouse. It stands out on the Tampa skyline.

Ownership Changes

In 2011, a company called In-Rel Properties bought the building. They purchased it for $22 million.

Awards and Recognition

Design Awards for Rivergate Tower

Harry Wolf's design for the Rivergate Tower won an important award. In 1993, it received the National Honor Award. This award came from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

A Florida Architectural Landmark

The Rivergate Tower was also recognized in 2012. The Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects added it to a special list. This list is called Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places. It highlights important buildings in Florida's history.

What's Around the Tower?

Nearby Places to Explore

Right next to the Rivergate Tower is another building. It is shaped like a cube. This building is home to the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. You can also find a bank and a café there.

Just north of the tower is Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. It's a great place to relax by the water. To the west, you'll find the Tampa Riverwalk. This path runs along the Hillsborough River.

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