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Heaviest Corner On Earth, Cahaba Valley Travel Guide

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

The Heaviest Corner on Earth, located at the intersection of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama, is a testament to the city's early 20th-century industrial boom. Four massive skyscrapers—the Woodward Building, the Brown Marx Building, the Empire Building (now the Elyton Hotel), and the John A. Hand Building—rose here between 1902 and 1912, symbolizing Birmingham's economic might and architectural ambition.

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
Eve
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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.

  • Explore the area on foot to fully appreciate the architectural details of each building.
  • Visit the Elyton Hotel (formerly the Empire Building) to experience the blend of historic architecture and modern luxury.
  • Look for the historical marker outside the Empire Building for insights into the corner's past.

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Getting There

  • Walking

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

  • Public Transport

    MAX Transit, Birmingham's public transportation system, has several bus routes that stop near the Heaviest Corner on Earth. The Magic City Connector (MCC) runs along 20th Street and has stops close to the intersection. Check the MAX Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is $1.50, with discounted fares of $0.75 for seniors (62+), people with disabilities, military personnel, and Medicare card holders.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Birmingham. 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.

  • Driving

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

Discover more about Heaviest Corner On Earth

At the heart of downtown Birmingham stands the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth,' a title earned in the early 1900s when four of the South's tallest buildings emerged almost simultaneously at the intersection of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North. This convergence of architectural ambition reflected Birmingham's rapid growth into a major industrial center.The four iconic buildings are:* **The Woodward Building (1902):** Birmingham's first steel-framed skyscraper, designed in the Chicago school style by William Weston and the Stone Brothers. Its light brown façade and detailed metalwork marked a shift from Victorian architecture.* **The Brown Marx Building (1906):** Briefly the city's tallest at 16 stories, it housed the United States Steel Corporation, solidifying the corner's industrial ties. William Woodward later acquired and expanded the building.* **The Empire Building (1909):** Soaring to 247 feet, it was Alabama's tallest building at the time, showcasing neoclassical design. Today, it's the Elyton Hotel, blending historic charm with modern luxury. The building's cornice features 'E's' representing the Empire Improvement Company.* **The John A. Hand Building (1912):** Completed the 'Heaviest Corner,' surpassing the Empire Building in height. It has housed various banking institutions and now serves as the headquarters for Shipt, a delivery service company.Today, the Heaviest Corner on Earth is a designated historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can admire the architecture and learn about Birmingham's history. A marker erected by the Birmingham Historical Society commemorates the corner's significance.
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