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Heaviest Corner On Earth, Blount Mountain Travel Guide

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Explore Birmingham's 'Heaviest Corner on Earth,' a historic landmark showcasing early 20th-century skyscrapers and the city's industrial heritage.

The 'Heaviest Corner on Earth' in Birmingham, Alabama, marks the intersection of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North, where four towering skyscrapers were erected between 1902 and 1912 [3, 7]. These buildings symbolized Birmingham's industrial strength and architectural ambition during the early 20th century [3].

A brief summary to Heaviest Corner On Earth

  • The Woodward Building, 20th St N, Birmingham, Central City, Alabama, 35203, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Heaviest Corner On Earth.

  • Take a stroll around the four corners to fully appreciate the architecture of each building [15].
  • Visit the Heaviest Corner during the day to best see the architectural details [3].
  • Check out the nearby Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn more about the city's history [4, 5].

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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in downtown Birmingham, the Heaviest Corner on Earth is easily accessible on foot [3, 4]. From the Birmingham Museum of Art, head south on 20th Street North for approximately three blocks [3, 4]. The intersection of 20th Street North and 1st Avenue North, marked by the four historic buildings, will be on your left [3, 4]. This is a straightforward walk along a main thoroughfare.

  • Public Transport

    MAX Transit, Birmingham's public transportation system, offers several bus routes that stop near the Heaviest Corner on Earth [3, 4]. The Magic City Connector (MCC) runs along 20th Street and has stops close to the intersection [3, 4]. Check the MAX Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information [3, 4]. A single ride fare is $1.50 [3, 4].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Birmingham [3, 4]. A short ride from popular downtown locations like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or the Uptown entertainment district to the Heaviest Corner on Earth will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand [3, 4].

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to the intersection of 20th Street North and 1st Avenue North in downtown Birmingham [3, 4]. Parking is available in nearby parking decks and on-street metered parking [3, 4]. Parking deck rates typically range from $5 to $10 per hour [3, 4]. Street parking is limited and metered, with rates around $2 per hour [3, 4]. The Woodward Building has a parking deck with an entrance on Morris Avenue between 20th and 19th Streets [3, 4].

Discover more about Heaviest Corner On Earth

At the intersection of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, stands the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth,' a testament to the city's booming industry and architectural aspirations in the early 1900s [3, 7]. Between 1902 and 1912, four massive skyscrapers arose on this corner, showcasing Birmingham's economic power [3].The four buildings that comprise this landmark are the Woodward Building, the Brown Marx Building, the Empire Building (now the Elyton Hotel), and the John A. Hand Building [3]. The name, initially dubbed “Birmingham to Have the Heaviest Corner in the South,” came about after the completion of these buildings [8]. At the time, they were some of the tallest buildings in the American South [6].The Woodward Building, completed in 1902, was Birmingham's first steel-framed skyscraper, designed in the Chicago school style [3, 8, 10]. The Brown Marx Building, constructed in 1906, briefly held the title of the city's tallest building [3]. The Empire Building, completed in 1909, became the tallest building in Alabama with its neoclassical design [3]. By 1912, the John Hand Building was completed, solidifying the corner's reputation [6].Today, the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth' remains a significant historical landmark, drawing architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and tourists [3]. Visitors can admire the architectural details of these iconic buildings and learn about Birmingham's rich history [3]. A marker placed by the Birmingham Historical Society commemorates the corner's unique place in the city's history [3, 8].
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