The Stark Building facts for kids
The Stark Building is a tall skyscraper in downtown Hartford, Connecticut. It was built way back in 1920! Before 2018, it was called The Hartford Trust Company Building. This building is a famous landmark in the city.
History of the Stark Building
The Stark Building stands right across from the historic Old State House in downtown Hartford. It's a great example of a "Colonial Revival" skyscraper from the 1920s. This style uses designs inspired by old classical columns. This makes the building look like it belongs with the Old State House.
Building Design and Recognition
A team of architects from Morris & O’Connor designed the building. The main architect was Benjamin Wistar Morris. The building opened its doors in 1920. Because it's so important, the building is now on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special landmark in the Main Street Historic District.
Unique Features and Changes
When you walk into the lobby, you'll see fancy floors made of brass, glass, wood, and marble. Down in the basement, there's a huge walk-in safe. It reminds everyone of the building's past as a trust company. The building is also famous for something else. It was the place where the world's first pay telephone was used! A special marker on the building tells this story.
In 1998, a company called Boxer Properties bought the building. Then, in 2017, Stark Office Suites became the new owner. They renamed it The Stark Building in November 2018.