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Schiffman Building: A Romanesque Gem in Huntsville

Discover Huntsville's architectural heritage at the Schiffman Building, a unique Richardsonian Romanesque landmark with a rich history and enduring legacy.

The Schiffman Building, located on Huntsville's Eastside Square, is a unique architectural landmark. Originally built in the Federal style around 1845, it was transformed in 1895 into the Richardsonian Romanesque style, making it a rare example in Alabama. It has a rich history, including being the birthplace of actress Tallulah Bankhead.

A brief summary to Schiffman Building

  • 231 Eastside Square, Huntsville, Quigley, Alabama, 35801, US

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around Eastside Square to admire the building's unique architecture and historical surroundings.
  • Visit the Madison County Courthouse across the street for a glimpse into Huntsville's legal history.
  • Check out the nearby shops and restaurants in downtown Huntsville for a complete experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Schiffman Building is located at 231 Eastside Square, easily accessible on foot from most points in downtown Huntsville. From the Madison County Courthouse, simply walk east across Eastside Square. The building is on the south side of the square, distinguished by its Richardsonian Romanesque architecture featuring rough limestone blocks and corner turrets.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's public transportation system, Orbit, has several routes that serve the downtown area. Check the Orbit bus schedule for the most convenient route and stop. From the nearest bus stop on the square, walk to 231 Eastside Square. A single ride fare is around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Huntsville. Request a ride to 231 Eastside Square. A short taxi ride within downtown Huntsville typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on the distance and surge pricing.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking options are available near Eastside Square. The Central City Garage on Clinton Avenue offers hourly parking at $0.50 per hour, with a maximum of $4 per day. Metered street parking is also available around the square at $0.50 per hour, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Parking is free after 5 pm and on weekends.

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Discover more about Schiffman Building

The Schiffman Building, situated at 231 Eastside Square in Huntsville, Alabama, is a captivating historical landmark. Its story began around 1845 as a Federal-style commercial building, characterized by its symmetrical design. The structure featured a three-bay brick facade divided by flat pilasters, typical of the antebellum South's architectural preferences. In 1895, the Southern Savings and Loan Association commissioned a dramatic remodeling, entrusting architect George W. Thompson of Nashville, Tennessee, to transform the building's facade into the Richardsonian Romanesque style. This architectural style, named after Henry Hobson Richardson, is characterized by its use of rough-hewn stone, rounded arches, and massive proportions. The Schiffman Building stands out as a prime example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, a style that is relatively rare in Alabama. The transformation involved adding a limestone facade, cutting archways, and reconfiguring the interior to accommodate offices on all three floors. The interior was lavishly finished with pressed tin ceilings, carved cherry wood on the first floor, oak on the second and third, mission-style chandeliers, corner fireplaces, carved mantels, and two walk-in vaults. In 1905, Isaac Schiffman, a German immigrant who had made his mark in Huntsville as a businessman and banker, purchased the building. The building became the headquarters for his diverse operations, solidifying its place in the city's commercial history. The Schiffman family's ownership has continued for over a century, a testament to their enduring legacy in Huntsville. The Schiffman Building has witnessed significant events in Huntsville's history. It served as an office for William B. Bankhead, who was Huntsville's city attorney from 1898 to 1902 and later became Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Notably, his daughter, the celebrated actress Tallulah Bankhead, was born in an apartment on the building's second floor. During Urban Renewal in the 1960s, the northern two bays were demolished, leaving only the south bay, which is 1/3 of the size of the original building. In 1980, the Schiffman Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.

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