Jacksonville Skyline

One of the most populous cities in the great State of Florida, the Jacksonville skyline has a long and storied history. Home to the oldest known skyscraper in the state, the Jacksonville skyline is now dotted with modern high rises that rival larger cities. The building boom that followed the Great Fire of 1901 changed the face of the city forever. Historical records indicate that more than 12,000 buildings were built between the period the fire and 1912.

The city of Jacksonville is situated on the Atlantic coast of Florida in the northeast corner of the state. The combination of the city skyline and the seashore provides residents and tourists with a spectacular view of this historic city. Another major geographical feature of Jacksonville is the St. John's River that helped to make Jacksonville a major trade center.

The tallest skyscraper along the Jacksonville skyline is the Bank of America building. Standing over 600 feet above downtown Jacksonville, the B of A building was completed in 1990. The building's 42 floors provide some 660 thousand square feet of office and commercial space.

Just across the street from the Bank of America building stands the older Modis Building which opened in 1974. Counting the building's antenna towers, the Modis Building stands over 630 feet and was the tallest building in Florida until 1981. The distinctive architectural style of the Modis Building is most notable in the structures slanted base which tapers inwards. With 37 floors, the Modis Building provides a mixed use of commercial and restaurant space. Constructed of glass, steel and concrete, the modernism architecture of the Modis Building adds a striking look to the Jacksonville skyline.

Like many older cities, Jacksonville has its share of historic buildings. A notable example is the Bisbee Building, completed in 1908 after the Great Fire ravaged downtown Jacksonville. Considered by many to be an endangered structure, efforts have been underway to preserve this historic building and maintain its place along the Jacksonville skyline.

The 11 East Forsyth Street building is another example of classic architecture still gracing the Jacksonville skyline. Constructed in 1926, 11 East Forsyth, like the Bisbee Building has gained the attention of preservationists trying to maintain older buildings in downtown Jacksonville.