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The Woodward Building: Birmingham's Pioneering Skyscraper

Birmingham's first skyscraper, the Woodward Building, showcases Chicago-style architecture and stands as a landmark of the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth'.

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The Woodward Building, completed in 1902, was Birmingham's first steel-framed skyscraper and a cornerstone of the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth'. Its Chicago-style architecture reflects Birmingham's early 20th-century ambition and economic growth.

A brief summary to The Woodward Building

Local tips

  • Explore the Heaviest Corner on Earth to appreciate the unique architecture of the Woodward Building and its neighboring historic skyscrapers.
  • Visit during weekdays to see the building's lobby and appreciate its early 20th-century architectural details.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Birmingham Museum of Art, walk south on 20th Street North for approximately three blocks. The Woodward Building will be on your left at the corner of 20th Street North and 1st Avenue North. This is a straightforward walk along a major downtown street.

  • Public Transport

    The MAX Transit's Magic City Connector (Bus 90) runs along 20th Street and stops near the Woodward Building. Alight at the 20th Street & Morris Avenue stop, which is a short walk to the building. A one-way fare on the Magic City Connector is $0.30 for adults. Alternatively, several other MAX bus routes stop at the Central Station, which is a few blocks away from the Woodward Building. A one-way fare on MAX is $1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Birmingham, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to the Woodward Building is readily available. The drop-off point is typically at the corner of 20th Street North and 1st Avenue North. The estimated cost for a short ride within downtown is between $8 and $12.

  • Driving

    If driving, approach the Woodward Building via 20th Street North or 1st Avenue North. Limited street parking is available. Several parking garages are nearby, including a multi-level parking deck next to the Woodward Building with an entrance off Morris Avenue between 20th and 19th Streets. Parking fees at nearby garages typically range from $5 to $10 per hour.

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Discover more about The Woodward Building

Located at 1927 1st Avenue North, the Woodward Building stands as a testament to Birmingham's pioneering spirit. Completed in 1902, this ten-story structure, reaching 132 feet, marked a significant leap in the city's architectural and economic development. Financed by William Woodward, who sold his Woodward Iron Company, the building was designed by architect William Weston in collaboration with the Stone Brothers of New Orleans. The construction cost $350,000, a substantial sum that underscored the city's burgeoning ambition. The Woodward Building is characterized by its light brown brick facade, divided into triple window bays by tall pilasters. A deep, elaborately detailed metal cornice crowns the structure. The interior was finished with high-quality materials, including tile and marble wainscoting in the corridors, oak paneling in the offices, and a monumental wrought-iron and marble staircase. As the first steel-framed building in Birmingham, it introduced innovative technologies, including terra cotta fireproofing, internal plumbing, and electric lighting and heating. The building's significance extends beyond its architecture. It anchored what became known as the "Heaviest Corner on Earth," the intersection of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North, a hub of commerce and innovation. In 1983, the Woodward Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and historical importance. Today, the Woodward Building houses offices and stands as a reminder of Birmingham's enduring legacy as a center of commerce and innovation.

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