24 replies to this topic

[dgreco]

I have applied for graduate programs at a few different Florida schools, mostly schools in South Florida, but I decided I would start to read the forums and see what is going on in this neck of the woods.  I saw this similiar topic in another forum and I thought I would pose it here.  I have looked at many of the cities and nothing really stands out to me.  The only thing that seems to be unique or signature about Florida is the University of Florida's Century Tower, but again I do not know if I would call that signature.  I was just wondering everyone's thoughts.  Either state wide or even region wide(North, Central, South, South West) etc...  Thanks in advance for the responses.

[poonther]

In South FL, I'd say it is Freedom Tower in Miami.  One could also argue that the Breakers Hotel and Boca Raton Hotel are signature buildings in SFL.

In Central FL, IMHO I'd say the most recognized and signature buildings of the area are Cinderella's Castle and the Epcot Sphere at Disney.

In North FL, Jax's Modus Tower seems to be their signature building IMHO and at one time was the tallest building in FL.  I forget, what company originally built this tower?  Was it a life insurance company?

And then of course in Tally there's always the phallic shaped New Capitol.

This is a rather subjective discussion for sure, but I'd have to say the building that most folks in the nation and world-wide associate w/FL is the Disney Castle.

Edited by poonther, 15 January 2008 - 09:15 AM.

[poonther]

^Independent Life, ah that's right.  Thanks for the reminder.

Wachovia Finiancial Center is definitely the best signature structure of new modern Miami, however after living there, Freedom Tower holds a special place in the hearts of the locals.

[dgreco]

Hey thanks for the info.  I think the Modis tower is probably the most noticable after you said it.  I think the Super Bowl a few years ago helped that image.  Anyway, thanks, I wonder what other people think also.  Because I do not know much about the area, what is the "quick" history behind the freedom tower?

[poonther]

^Just click on the link I provided above and it will tell you all about the Freedom Tower.  Basically it's the "Ellis Island" for the first wave of Cubans to flee communist Cuba.

[JFW657]

The most iconic structures that immediately say "Florida" in people's minds the world over are the geodesic sphere at EPCOT & the VAB building at Kennedy Space Center.

[dgreco]

JFW657, on Jan 20 2008, 11:33 AM, said:

The most iconic structures that immediately say "Florida" in people's minds the world over are the geodesic sphere at EPCOT & the VAB building at Kennedy Space Center.

I agree with that, but I wonder do you think those exemplify Florida? or are they just the most familiarized buildings?

[prahaboheme]

dgreco, on Jan 21 2008, 11:01 AM, said:

I agree with that, but I wonder do you think those exemplify Florida? or are they just the most familiarized buildings?

Both.

[RedStar25]

Depends on what "Florida" you are talking about. Florida is a radicaly divers state.

I think if your looking for historical towers, Central Florida has a few. The Grand Dame of wich is probably Bok tower.

[asonj23]

Here is a fantastic article describing Florida's tallest buildings over the past 100 years...

The Modis, Wachovia, and Freedom towers each held the title as the states tallest

Quote

A Century of Florida's Tallest Skyscrapers      
Thursday, 06 March 2008

The title of tallest building in Florida changed hands twelve times over the past 100 years.  Of the 13 buildings to hold the title, 6 of them are in Jacksonville.  Today, Metro Jacksonville takes a look at Florida's Tallest Buildings throughout more than a century.

Read the rest: http://www.metrojack...ntent/view/728/

[JRS1]

Bok is exceptional.

Let's not forget the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse as well.

As for symbolic/most recognizeable, something to consider is exposure, ala, the media and movies and marketing.  I'd say the Wachovia Miami gets the most exposure from movies and as a backdrop to national correspondent newscasts.  The Wachovia and BOA combined.

On a different note, Cinderella's Castle, Spaceship Earth, and the VAB are the others.

Jax doesn't get much exposure of this kind.  Neither does Tampa.

[depechecureguyorl]

Unfortunately, the plastic castle at Disney is Orlando's most famous building...and here I almost delluded myself into thinking it would be the Suntrust Center...sigh.

Miami - I agree, Freedom Tower...but I'm also seeing more and more of the 4 Seasons tower in movies & TV.

Tampa - IMO, Raymond James stadium

Jax - What's the name of that building that looks like it's on a trapezoid?

[asonj23]

You're talking about the "Modis" building.  More properly called Independent Square.








Other than the Modis building I would have to say that the most popular structure in Jax is the Main Street Bridge.

[mrh3]

As much as I hate to admit it, the most famous building in the State of Florida is Cinderella's Castle followed by Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. Then maybe the Bank of America building in Miami or that round one in Miami than changes colors.

[JRS1]

^^
man, those are some exceptional photos of Jax.  Modis is a great tower.  that bridge rocks.  what an asset to the city.

^^
it's hard to make a list of "most notable"-- movies, newscasts, talk shows.

On Fox's "Cashing In", the Orlando correspondent always gives his $.02 with a backdrop of downtown orlando-- I think Suntrust.

[JRS1]

...man, that Main St. Bridge is stunning.

[sunshine]

[depechecureguyorl]

^ ugh...fabrication at it's worst. At least it continues to bring people and their money to this town...

[radiostatic102]

depechecureguyorl, on Sep 11 2008, 02:09 PM, said:

^ ugh...fabrication at it's worst. At least it continues to bring people and their money to this town...

Architechturally, yes they're a disaster.  Thankfully they're tucked waaay out of sight of main roads.  

I've tried to assuage my offended architectural sense by thinking of them as follies, like in England or a few places here in America.  It didn't really help.

This is one huge reason why I wanted the giant wheel in Orlando to be built downtown.  No other skyline in America, I think, would have something like that and it would become not only and attraction but an icon.  Also, it's O shape would be perfect for "O"rlando's skyline.  Well, at least with the new Peabody tower going up that will be a skyline unto itself, that will look nice in pictures.   

As far as what is currently the signature building of Florida?  In terms of skyscrapers I would say Wachovia in Miami, at least until Four Seasons gets more face time in the media.  

Otherwise, it would have to be Cinderella's castle and the VAB.  Standing proudly side by side.

[JRS1]

^^
I'm thinking for Miami it's been the BOA, all lit up at night and what not.

^^
as for the Castle and Spaceship Earth, those are no less relevant structures as some World's Fair structures in many US and world cities;  There's stuff in Spaceship Earth as well as the Castle; these are functioning buildings.  the Castle has a second and/or third level inside with a restaurant; basement, etc.  As cheesy as it sounds, the thing is stunning at night to look at as it from the west where it borders the moat on that side.

And EPCOT took down that nasty Mickey arm from Spaceship Earth FINALLY.  It's back to being one big ball again.

and one more thing, when I'm driving up towards Modis and BOA, I don't get the same nostalgia I get when driving up to Spaceship Earth.  I think that's a big factor.