Lamar Life Building: Jackson's Gothic Skyscraper

Jackson's first skyscraper, the Lamar Life Building, blends Gothic Revival architecture with modern living in the heart of downtown.

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Lamar Life Building

The Lamar Life Building, a Gothic Revival-style structure completed in 1924, stands as Jackson's first skyscraper and a significant landmark. Renovated in 2019, it now houses luxury lofts, office, and retail spaces, maintaining its historical charm with a restored clock tower and intricate architectural details.

A brief summary to Lamar Life Building

317 E Capitol St, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201, US
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Local tips

Explore the area on foot to appreciate the building's architectural details and nearby landmarks.
Visit during the day to see the white terra-cotta exterior illuminated by the sunlight.
Check out the building's lobby for a glimpse of its historical significance and recent renovations.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Mississippi State Capitol, head east on East Capitol Street. Continue for approximately 0.2 miles. The Lamar Life Building will be on your left at 317 E Capitol St. This is a straightforward walk along a main street, passing shops and other landmarks.
Public Transport

JTRAN, Jackson's public transportation, has several routes that stop near the Lamar Life Building. From Union Station, take any bus that travels along Capitol Street. Check JTRAN's website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A one-way fare is $1.50.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Jackson. A short taxi ride from the Jackson Convention Complex to the Lamar Life Building will cost approximately $8-$14, depending on the company and time of day. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your trip.

Discover more about Lamar Life Building

The Lamar Life Building, located at 317 E Capitol Street in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, is a testament to the city's architectural and corporate history. Completed in 1924, this 11-story building was Jackson's first skyscraper, designed in the Gothic Revival style by Sanguinet, Staats & Hedrick, in association with Jackson architect Noah Webster Overstreet. Its white glazed terra-cotta exterior, adorned with whimsical gargoyles, makes it a distinctive landmark.Originally built as the headquarters for the Lamar Life Insurance Company, the building also housed Mississippi's first network radio station, WJDX. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Eudora Welty once edited a radio program broadcast from the station, adding to the building's cultural significance.In 2019, the Lamar Life Building underwent a complete renovation, transforming it into a mixed-use space with 23 luxury loft apartments, office suites, and retail areas. The renovation included restoring the clock tower, a prominent feature of the building, and installing architecturally compatible storefronts. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing element in the Smith Park Architectural District.Located across from the Governor's Mansion, the Lamar Life Building is within walking distance of various businesses, government buildings, museums, cultural arts venues, restaurants, and nightlife. It stands as a symbol of Jackson's growth and resilience, blending historical elegance with modern urban living.