SunTrust Plaza Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids SunTrust Plaza

Alternative names	One Peachtree Center
General information
Type	Commercial offices
Location	303 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia
Coordinates	33°45′47″N 84°23′13″W / 33.763°N 84.387°W / 33.763; -84.387
Completed	1992
Height
Antenna spire	274.9 m (902 ft)
Roof	265.48 m (871.0 ft)
Technical details
Floor count	60
Floor area	111,400 m² (1,199,000 sq ft)
Lifts/elevators	28
Design and construction
Architect	John Portman & Associates
Developer	John Portman & Associates

This article is about SunTrust Building (disambiguation). For other uses, see SunTrust Plaza (disambiguation).

The SunTrust Plaza is a very tall building, called a skyscraper, located in downtown Atlanta. It stands about 265 meters (870 feet) high and has 60 floors. It was finished in 1992.

Since it was built, SunTrust Plaza has been the second-tallest building in Atlanta. The tallest is the Bank of America Plaza. But because that one is in Midtown, SunTrust Plaza is the tallest building in the downtown area.

Building History: How It Was Built
Recent Happenings at SunTrust Plaza
Gallery
See also

Building History: How It Was Built

Early Ideas for SunTrust Plaza

The architect and developer John C. Portman, Jr. first thought of this building in the 1980s. He wanted to build an office tower to rent out space. Its design was different from his earlier work. It had a square shape with a fancy base and top. People say it was inspired by another famous building in Atlanta, the One Atlantic Center.

Construction and Challenges

Work on the building started in 1989 with a lot of excitement. But by the time it was finished in 1992, Atlanta's real estate market had slowed down a lot. The building was mostly empty. This caused problems for Portman, and he lost control of many of his properties. His architecture company, John Portman & Associates, moved its main office into the building.

New Name and Headquarters

In the mid-1990s, Portman sold half of his share in the building to SunTrust Bank. SunTrust Bank then moved its main office into the building. This is why the building's name changed from One Peachtree Center to SunTrust Plaza.

Art in the Lobby

The building has a large, two-level main entrance area called a lobby. This lobby is filled with many pieces of art. It also has sculptures and furniture. All of these were designed by John Portman himself.

Recent Happenings at SunTrust Plaza

Surviving a Tornado

In March 2008, a tornado hit Atlanta. SunTrust Plaza was one of several buildings that were struck. Luckily, it did not get as much damage as other buildings nearby. Some offices had broken windows. People working in those offices had to move to other parts of the building for a short time.

New TV Antenna Home

A TV station called WDTA-LD moved its broadcast antenna to the top of SunTrust Plaza. Before this, it was on the even taller Bank of America Plaza. Even though SunTrust Plaza has been Atlanta's second-tallest skyscraper for a long time, this was its first TV antenna.

Home to Architects

Since it was built, the SunTrust Plaza has been the home of John Portman & Associates Architects. This is the company that designed and developed the building.

Peregrine Falcons: High-Rise Neighbors

SunTrust Plaza is also home to peregrine falcons! These birds have a nest in planters on a balcony more than 50 stories up. This high spot protects them from natural predators. The planters offer a soft place for their nest and some shelter from bad weather.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting at SunTrust Plaza since 1997. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has a special web-camera. This camera lets people watch the falcons nesting live. It's a unique way to see these amazing birds. (Just remember, the balcony is private and not open to visitors.)