Truist Plaza Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Truist Plaza

Alternative names	One Peachtree Center, SunTrust Plaza, 303 Peachtree
General information
Type	Commercial offices
Architectural style	Postmodernism
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
Construction started	1989 (1989)
Completed	1992 (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

Truist Plaza is a very tall building, called a skyscraper, in downtown Atlanta. It has 60 floors and is about 265 meters (871 feet) high. A famous architect named John C. Portman, Jr. designed it. Construction started in 1989 and finished in 1992.

It was first called One Peachtree Center. Later, a bank called SunTrust Banks bought part of it and moved their main office there. So, the building's name changed to SunTrust Plaza. In 2021, the name changed again to Truist Plaza. This happened after SunTrust Banks joined with another bank called BB&T. People also know the building as 303 Peachtree. Including its antenna, the building stands 275 meters (902 feet) tall.

When it was built, Truist Plaza was one of the tallest buildings in the world. Today, it is the second tallest building in Atlanta. It is also the 55th tallest building in the United States.

How the Building Was Built
- Construction and Challenges
- What's Inside the Lobby?
Recent Events and Features
Gallery
See also

How the Building Was Built

The architect and developer John C. Portman, Jr. first thought of building Truist Plaza in the 1980s. At that time, many new office buildings were being planned. Portman wanted to create a unique office building.

The building's design was different from his earlier work. It has a square shape with a special base and top. Some say the design was inspired by another famous building in Atlanta called One Atlantic Center.

Construction and Challenges

Work on the building started in 1989 with a big celebration. But by the time it was finished in 1992, Atlanta's real estate market had slowed down a lot. This meant many offices in the building were empty.

This caused problems for Portman and almost made him go bankrupt. He even lost control of many of his other properties. However, his architecture company, John Portman & Associates, still has its main office in the building.

What's Inside the Lobby?

The building has a large, two-level lobby. This area is filled with many pieces of art. You can see sculptures and furniture that John Portman himself designed. There is also a light display that rotates.

Recent Events and Features

Surviving a Tornado

In March 2008, a tornado hit Atlanta. Truist Plaza was one of several buildings that were struck. Luckily, it did not get as much damage as other buildings nearby. Only a few windows were broken, and some offices had to move temporarily.

New TV Antenna

A TV station called WDTA-LD moved its broadcast antenna to the top of Truist Plaza. Before this, the building did not have a broadcast antenna. Even though there is a taller building in Atlanta, this was the first time a TV station put its antenna on Truist Plaza.

Home to Peregrine Falcons

Truist Plaza is home to a special family of birds! Peregrine falcons have built a nest on a balcony more than 50 stories high. They use planters on the balcony for their nest. This spot is safe from natural predators and helps protect them from bad weather.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting at Truist Plaza since 1997. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has a web-camera that lets people watch the falcons. This camera gives a unique look at the birds as they raise their young. The balcony where they nest is private and not open to the public.

New Signage

In October 2021, the Truist company announced plans to put new signs on the very top of the building. These new signs were installed on January 23, 2022. To do this work safely, some streets and sidewalks around the skyscraper had to be closed for a short time.