Jacksonville Architecture BOTTOM 10

[reednavy]

I like the variations between the reflective glass and the white stripes. It is simple, but also doesn't overpower the Landing or riverwalk.

Now, if we want to add another skyscraper to the list, add the AT&T Tower.

[blizz01]

So what about the Modis building?  It is certainly a signature building that defines the skyline, however, it's always "love it" or "hate it" whenever it comes up in conversation.

[stjr]

I like the variations between the reflective glass and the white stripes. It is simple, but also doesn't overpower the Landing or riverwalk.

Now, if we want to add another skyscraper to the list, add the AT&T Tower.

At least the ATT tower has some "jagged" edges, angles, and a contrast between glass and metallic panels. That beats glass and more glass.  

I think the most "distinctive" high rise in Jax is either the Modis building (ONLY because its base makes it look like a rocket ready for launch.  The glass mirror tower is just one of many.) or the Gulf Life/Riverplace tower with what was, at least once, the tallest building in the world supported by its exterior.  Otherwise, most of our high rises aren't too memorable.

I do like the original Prudential/Aetna building for being a classic of its era.  I find it to be a "warm", approachable building for its size.  I actually preferred the CSX building with the blue tiles before it was covered over for the same reasons.  Always thought those tiles were something different than what you see elsewhere.  Other than that , I don't recall any particular skyline buildings that really stand out.

[reednavy]

Well, once the BOA Tower gets relit, whenever the hell that happens, it'll be very noticeable again. During the day though, I like the contrast between it's dark granite and glass exterior against the blue sky.

My issue with the AT&T Tower is that it needs a serious exterior cleaning and needs the silver sections replaced/reclad. Some of them are loose and appear to have air pockets in them.

The Riverplace Tower looks much better now that the pressure washing and repainting was completed last year.

[stjr]

Well, once the BOA Tower gets relit, whenever the hell that happens, it'll be very noticeable again. During the day though, I like the contrast between it's dark granite and glass exterior against the blue sky.

My issue with the AT&T Tower is that it needs a serious exterior cleaning and needs the silver sections replaced/reclad. Some of them are loose and appear to have air pockets in them.

The Riverplace Tower looks much better now that the pressure washing and repainting was completed last year.

I agree with all your comments.  The B of A tower has a classic look which is no surprise since its an adaptation of a twin tower in Manhattan.

I want to add that, even though its sheathed mostly in glass, the Prudential "new" complex in green on the Southbank is unique with its multiple stacked interlocking box look.  It's both distinctive and interesting to look at.

If it came down to one building to chose, I would have to go with Riverplace/Gulf Life as our most unique and memorable building.

[Ocklawaha]

Well, once the BOA Tower gets relit, whenever the hell that happens, it'll be very noticeable again. During the day though, I like the contrast between it's dark granite and glass exterior against the blue sky.

I wish somebody rooting around in the city planning files of "dead dreams," would come across the rendering of the BOA tower as planned with the Palm Tree deck some 5-10 floors short of the top floors. Sort of a balcony with palms, but I don't remember if they were to be REAL or metallic. I do remember Barnett said "No" they were too "Liberal" or some such trash. But it did appear in the TU or Florida Trend, I just don't remember, Damn!@$@^$^&!@!*(&&&$

OCKLAWAHA

[reednavy]

I doubt they would've been real as a strong tropical storm would rips them out and heave them towards nerby buildings and the ground.

If I remember correctly, for every 100ft you climb, you add 10mph to the wind speed.

[thekillingwax]

I don't get the hate for the exchange building and Fed Reserve. They're basically fortresses, they're not supposed to be pretty. The Exchange is pretty in its own way, just like the massive ones in NYC. The Fed Reserve isn't as nice but lord knows I'd love to explore it.

[Dog Walker]

The AT&T building does need cleaning up, but IMHO is probably the most sophisticated and subtle piece of architecture in downtown.  When the sun is shining (not today!) the step backs make beautiful and ever changing geometric patterns up and down the sides of the building.  It is NOT an accidental effect, but one that was obviously designed in.  Quite striking.

I've loved the look of the Gulf Life Tower from the time is was first put up.  In a era when everything was floating glass boxes, the architects boldly put the bones on the outside.  "See," they were saying, "This is what holds a building up!"  Terrific sense of strength, stability and safety from that building.

[Overstreet]

...............I've loved the look of the Gulf Life Tower from the time is was first put up.  In a era when everything was floating glass boxes, the architects boldly put the bones on the outside.  "See," they were saying, "This is what holds a building up!"  Terrific sense of strength, stability and safety from that building.

Especially when you think of the building as a post tension concrete structure. Those corners do not have a column holding the corner beam and floor up. It is the tension on the cables that stiffens up the structure.

[reednavy]

I don't get the hate for the exchange building and Fed Reserve. They're basically fortresses, they're not supposed to be pretty. The Exchange is pretty in its own way, just like the massive ones in NYC. The Fed Reserve isn't as nice but lord knows I'd love to explore it.

Ever seen the Federal Reserve building on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/FedReserve_Atlanta.jpg

[Wacca Pilatka]

The "Four For the Future" section at the end of Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage argues for the Gulf Life as one of the modern buildings most likely to be considered a classic in the future.  The author notes that in addition to the bold statement that the exterior support provides as Dog Walker noted, the exterior also distinctly articulates each floor of the building, humanizing it and defining its scale.

I always loved the Independent Life building just for its massiveness and sense of authority, not to mention that you can get great pictures with the sky, fireworks, etc. reflected in its exterior.

Barnett/BoA always had a special place with me since it was the first large building in Jacksonville that I got to tour.  Better interaction at street level would be nice, of course.

Trivia about Southern Bell/AT&T: it has 16 sides because it was intended to be a headquarters for Charter Co. as well as Southern Bell, and many executives demanded corner offices.

I think the AHL/Humana/SunTrust building gets lost in the shuffle when people discuss the best high-rises in the city.  Although better street level interaction would be nice with this one, I like how it incorporates orange and blue and reflective panels and really ties the skyline together, with the blue granite Barnett behind it, the orange roof of the Landing in front, etc.

I always liked the Florida National/First Union/Wachovia on the Northbank.  Seems cheerful to me somehow.

People up here who see my pictures of Jacksonville always comment positively on the look of the newer Prudential building on the Southbank, but I really dislike this one for the bad street level interaction and enormous street-crossing footprint.  It looks nice enough from 95 or a photo.

And yes, I am addicted to calling these buildings by their former names.

[Wacca Pilatka]

I don't get the hate for the exchange building and Fed Reserve. They're basically fortresses, they're not supposed to be pretty. The Exchange is pretty in its own way, just like the massive ones in NYC. The Fed Reserve isn't as nice but lord knows I'd love to explore it.

The Fed Reserve building in Baltimore looks almost exactly the same as the one in Jacksonville.

[floridaforester]

I'd like to nominate the FBC lighthouse that is attached to one of their numerous ugly parking garages downtown.  

Also, another that should definitely be on the list; the new TPC Sawgrass clubhouse.  More faux Tuscan ugliness right here in NE Florida.  Why couldn't they design something with its own identity with a coastal island feel & look.  Tuscany & its architecture is about as far removed from this climate/locale as any that I can imagine.

[Cliffs_Daughter]

There used to be an Architecture of Downtown Jacksonville webpage early this decade--the creator of it contributed most of the Emporis Jacksonville images--that argued for Hogans Creek Towers as the worst architecture in the city.

If you've ever been in the front door of this building, you'd swear that the jailhouse has more class and design. It's so ugly I can't even come up with the right word to express it.

Since we're listing ugly structures, can we also throw in the Singleton Senior Center on 1st, or does that not count? The building looks like a solid concrete missile housing facility with an odd wide gun turret in the back.