Details

One of my favorite downtown buildings is the  John Hand Building. Built in 1912, it was Birmingham's tallest building for one year, till the City Federal Building took that honor. It housed banks until recently and now it's been reborn as a mixed us building featuring downtown condos. The architectural details make it one of Birmingham's finest.

Grand Old Building

This building is still referred to as the John Hand Building. Built in 1912 as the American Trust and Savings Building. When it was built it was the tallest building in Alabama.  It is one of the buildings downtown that I never tire of photographing.

Bank Chic?

There was a time, long ago, when the banks in downtown Birmingham were rather grand with their marble floors, soaring columns and interesting captitals like the old John Hand Building. Only a few remain and it sure isn't the First National/AmSouth/Regions building on 20th Street. It's all sleek and shiny and has this intersting chandelier, for want of a better term, by the elevators. I shot this a while back when I was down there getting my euros. Those grand old banks made you feel rich even when you weren't. This one, leaves me cold, and now that I think about it so did the euro/usd rate!

A very Happy Blog Birthday to our Jilly who is celebrating the 3rd Birthday for Monte Carlo DP AND Menton DP! Jilly, I've got my party dress on, and it's time for Peter to pour the champagne!

Downtown

The old John Hand Bank Building is one of may favorites. I've posted other photos here. Today, in keeping with the shadows theme, it makes another appearance with the late aftenoon sun casting a nice long shadow down 1st Avenue North. I think the black and white gives it a timeless feel. I almost expect to see some vintage Packard parked there on the street.

Tune du Jour is "Downtown" of course!

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - Look Up BIrmingham III

Today you get a "twofer" .  You get the lovely corner view of the old John Hand Building on Birmingham's most prominent corner, 1st and 20th.  This is probably one of my favorite buildings.  I love that dark brown against the white on the facade.  Photo #2 gives you a nice close up of the wonderful columns streetside.  The details on this building are just spectacular.  

Just another example of one of  Birmingham's best preserved 'ladies'.

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