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W. T. Hutchens Building: A Huntsville Landmark

Explore Huntsville's history at the W. T. Hutchens Building, a landmark of early 20th-century commercial architecture and a tribute to William Thomas Hutchens.

The W. T. Hutchens Building, located in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, is a historic commercial building constructed in 1916 with an addition in 1921. It exemplifies early 20th-century commercial architecture, characterized by its horizontal emphasis and minimal ornamentation. The building is named after William Thomas Hutchens, a prominent Huntsville figure who served as mayor and postmaster.

A brief summary to W. T. Hutchens Building

  • 100-104 Jefferson St N, Huntsville, Quigley, Alabama, 35611, US

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the Courthouse Square to see other historical buildings.
  • Visit the nearby Terry Hutchens Building to compare architectural styles.
  • Explore the Twickenham Historic District for more of Huntsville's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The W. T. Hutchens Building is located in the heart of downtown Huntsville, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions. From the Huntsville Museum of Art or Big Spring International Park, head north on Jefferson Street. The building is located on the corner of Jefferson Street North and Clinton Avenue.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's public transportation system, Orbit, has several bus routes that stop near the W. T. Hutchens Building. Check the Orbit bus schedule for the most up-to-date information on routes and times. Disembark at a stop near the Madison County Courthouse and walk one block north on Jefferson Street.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Huntsville. Simply request a ride to 100-104 Jefferson Street North. Expect a short ride from most locations in downtown Huntsville. A typical ride-share fare from the Von Braun Center should cost approximately $8-$12.

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Discover more about W. T. Hutchens Building

The W. T. Hutchens Building, situated at 100-104 Jefferson Street North in Huntsville, Alabama, stands as a testament to the city's past. Constructed in 1916, with an addition completed in 1921, the building showcases Early Commercial architecture, marking a shift from the ornate Victorian designs. This style favored practicality, stability, and strong horizontal lines. The building's history is closely tied to William Thomas Hutchens, a key figure in Huntsville's development. Born in New York City, Hutchens established the Hutchens Company in 1886, a successful mechanical contractor and hardware supplier. He also served as President (before the title of Mayor) and later as Mayor of Huntsville, as well as the city's Postmaster. The building's architecture features a wide band of white terra cotta with shields and moldings defining the second floor. The upper-story windows are paired with contrasting masonry sills and brick lintels ornamented with terra cotta blocks. A projecting box cornice, also of terra cotta, displays a geometric and floral pattern. These details contribute to the building's distinctive character. Originally, the building's corner bays were divided into two storefronts, with a sidewalk door providing access to the second floor. The corner unit retained its original Luxfer prism windows above the display windows, designed to maximize natural light. The W. T. Hutchens Building contrasts with the nearby Terry Hutchens Building, built in 1925, which showcases the Gothic Revival style. The W. T. Hutchens Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, solidifying its importance as a preserved piece of Huntsville's history. Today, the building serves as a reminder of Huntsville's past, when small-scale commercial structures played a vital role in the city's development.

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