In 1956 construction began on a new four story contemporary structure on Canal Street. The commercial office building was designed by Curtis and Davis architects for the Canal Realty Corporation for the newly consolidated America Fore Insurance Group.
The ground floor lobby will boast special wall tiles imported from Italy. Wide terrazzo steps from the sidewalks to the lobby will be flanked by tropical landscaping extending the width of the building. Upper floors will be enclosed with brick masonry walls and aluminum framed glass curtain walls with insulated spandrel panels. The elevation on Canal will have horizontal balcony type sunshades with floating marble vertical sunshade panels between.
The America Fore Insurance Group building was completed in 1957. Curtis and Davis later designed three other buildings on Canal.
The Caribe Building (2475 Canal) was completed in 1958 and housed the offices of the architecture firm. The Automotive Life Building (4140 Canal) was completed in 1963. In 2010 it was designated a Historic Landmark by the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission. The Rivergate (2 Canal) was completed in 1968 and demolished in 1995 for Harrah's Casino.
To learn more about modern architecture on Canal Street, please see DOCOMOMO Louisiana's Canal Streetcar tour.
Times-Picayune States Item 05-20-1956
No comments:
Post a Comment