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Schiffman Building: A Huntsville Landmark

Discover the architectural blend and historical significance of Huntsville's Schiffman Building, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Schiffman Building in Huntsville, Alabama, is a historic landmark blending Federal and Richardsonian Romanesque architectural styles. Built around 1845 and renovated in 1895, it has housed prominent figures and businesses, standing as a testament to the city's heritage.

A brief summary to Schiffman Building

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

Local tips

  • Explore the Eastside Square, where the Schiffman Building is located, to discover other historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
  • Check out the building's unique Richardsonian Romanesque facade, featuring rough limestone blocks and corner turrets.
  • Learn about the building's history and its connection to prominent figures like William B. Bankhead and the Schiffman family.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Schiffman Building is located on the East Side Square in downtown Huntsville, making it easily accessible on foot from most downtown locations. From the Madison County Courthouse, simply walk across the square to the building. From Big Spring International Park, head east towards the square, and you'll find the Schiffman Building on your right. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's Orbit bus system has several routes that stop near the East Side Square. Check the Orbit bus schedule for the closest stop to the Schiffman Building. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the building. A single ride on the Orbit bus costs $1.25.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 231 Eastside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801. Parking is available on the street and in nearby city-run garages. Metered street parking costs $0.50 per hour and is enforced Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Garage parking costs $0.50 per hour with a maximum of $4 per day. Event parking in the garages is $5. You can pay for parking using the Passport Parking app.

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Discover more about Schiffman Building

The Schiffman Building, located at 231 Eastside Square in Huntsville, Alabama, is a captivating historical landmark that embodies the city's architectural and cultural heritage. Constructed around 1845, the building initially showcased a Federal-style design, characterized by its three-bay brick structure divided by large, flat pilasters. This early form reflected the prevalent architectural trends of the antebellum period in the South. In 1895, the Southern Savings and Loan Association acquired the property and commissioned a dramatic renovation, transforming the building's facade into the Richardsonian Romanesque style. This architectural movement, named after Henry Hobson Richardson, emphasized robust forms, arched windows, and rusticated stonework. The Richardsonian Romanesque facade features rough limestone blocks, corner turrets extending above the cornice, and arched entryways. A large arched window graces the first floor, with its keystone acting as a corbel for a massive bay window on the second floor. Above the entrance, a stone panel flanked by turrets proudly displays the name "I. Schiffman," a testament to the family's long-standing presence in the building. The interior boasts pressed tin ceilings, carved cherry and oak woodwork, and two walk-in vaults. The Schiffman Building has played a significant role in Huntsville's history. From 1898 to 1902, William B. Bankhead, who later became the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, used the building as an office while serving as Huntsville's city attorney. His daughter, actress Tallulah Bankhead, was born in an apartment on the building’s second floor. Isaac Schiffman, a German immigrant, purchased the building in 1905. His family's businesses have continued to operate there for over a century. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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