Jefferson Standard

The Jefferson Standard Building in downtown Greensboro has been the anchor skyscraper for our city since 1923. It is 18 floors and 233 feet tall. The building was designed by New York architect Charles C. Hartmann at the request of Julian Price, company president at the time. This photo only captures a small part of the tile and granite façade, a building that has been added on to in recent years. The photo does show the reflection of the buildings across the street-- just perfect for Weekend Reflection. 

Recently, we talked to a retiree who worked here for 23 years. He said that  when Will Rogers came to celebrate the opening of the Jefferson Standard Building, he commented that it was the only building in the southeast where you could stand on the 18th floor and spit tobacco in a cornfield. We don't have that comment substantiated; however, we do know that no longer is the building surrounded by cornfields! The company was named after Thomas Jefferson and, with mergers, has changed names many times. Presently, it is Lincoln Financial Group. Great information about the building's changes, the insurance companies within, and the architecture can be found here and here. The building serves as a backdrop of many photos!

Comments

[Louis la Vache]

A fine building from the era when architects still knew how to design elegant buildings and had not succumbed to the Stacked Ice Cube Tray School of Architecture.

«Louis» was mooved by your comment at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.
http://bayphoto.blogspot.com/2010/11/weekend-reflections_27.html
;-D

[Janis]

Gorgeous building, thats a great shot. Thanks for the history on it.

[Jane Mitchell]

I can't believe I have lived here all these years without realizing that our most prominent building was named for Thomas Jefferson!

[barb farr]

Beautiful building.

['Tsuki]

Very nice zoom on the architectural detail... And the reflection is quite beautiful, with all this golden light...

[robert]

How impressive a sight and read. Nice detail the "protection". Please have you all a wonderful Sunday.

[James]

Great shot! I really like the look of the building and the color of reflections.

[David T]

Jane,

There's a concise company history for Jefferson-Pilot (pre-Lincoln) at http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/JeffersonPilot-Corporation-Company-History.html

According to that history, "A Jefferson Standard Policy is a Declaration of Independence for the Family," was Jefferson Standard's official slogan.

[Emily]

Considered to be Greensboro's downtown crown jewel. My wedding reception was held on the top floor in the city club years ago. I wonder what it is used for now?? I might take the elevator to the top one day, just to see.