We asked our audience the most beautiful building in Birmingham—here’s what you said [PHOTOS]
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The Magic City has no shortage of beautiful, ornate buildings. We love hearing from our audience, so we asked what YOU think is the most beautiful building in Birmingham on LinkedIn and Instagram. Spoiler alert: there are two answers. Keep reading to find out which ones made the cut.
4 of Birmingham’s most beautiful buildings 🤩
The Florentine
What it is: The Florentine was built in 1926, but fell into disrepair. The Coretti family of Coretti Catering worked with Williams Blackstock to renovate the building as an event venue.
Behind the building: Henry Upson Sims + architect David O. Whilldin
- Location: 2101 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
The John Hand Building
What it is: Originally named the American Trust and Savings Bank Building, the John Hand Building is made with sylacauga marble, the official state rock of Alabama. When the building was finished in 1912, it was the tallest building in Alabama (for one year).
Since then, it’s been the home of Shipt and Landing, two ventures of Birmingham native Bill Smith. Beyond office spaces, the John Hand Building is home to residences and the John Hand Club and Hotel.
Behind the building: Architect William Welton
City Federal
What it is: One of Birmingham’s original skyscrapers, City Federal was first named the Jefferson County Savings Bank Building and took over the John Hand building as the tallest building in Alabama until 1969.
In 2005, Atlanta-based developer Synergy Realty Services purchased the building and renovated it to become a residential space with 84 condominiums.
Behind the building: Architect William Weston
- Location: 2024 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Empire Building (Elyton)
What it is: The Empire Building, now home of the Elyton Hotel, is a classic revival style bank building built in 1909. Since then, it’s been the home of multiple banks and historic moments in Birmingham like Harry Gardiner scaling the building without any ropes or harnesses.
Behind the building: Architect William Welton
- Location: 1928 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
What does our audience think the most beautiful building in Birmingham is? 👇
33% of our LinkedIn voters think the John Hand Building is the most beautiful
Instagram has a clear winner for the most beautiful building in Birmingham—The Florentine
Clearly, our Instagram audience has a stronger opinion. Of 491 voters on our Instagram stories, 61% voted for The Florentine. The John Hand building came in second with 17% of the votes.
What do you think is the most beautiful building in Birmingham? Let us know by tagging @BhamNow on social.