Republic Center
From Archiplanet
| Republic Center | |
| Designer | Tower I: Harrison & Abramovitz; Tower II: Harrell & Hamilton |
| Location | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Date | Tower I: 1954; Tower II: 1964 |
| Building Type | Commerce/Trade |
| Construction System | Steel, Anodized Aluminum |
| Climate | humid subtropical climate |
| Architectural Style | Skyscraper |
| Street Address | Tower I: 300 North Ervay; Tower II: 325 North St. Paul Walk Score |
| Notes | Formerly known as Republic National Bank. |
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| National Register of Historic Places | |
| Name | Republic National Bank |
| ID Number | 5000243 |
| NRHP Status | Listed In The National Register |
| Certification Date | 03/31/2005 |
| Level of Significance | State |
| NRHP Documents | Text (pdf) ; Photos (pdf) |
[edit] History
Republic Center is a three phase building complex and is clad in interlocking aluminum plates to incorporate its use in creating the Republic National Bank 's silver star symbol; as designed by Harrison the architect in the initial phase building of 1954. The building is a follow-up design of the 1953 thirty story Alcoa Building in Pittsburgh, by the same architects Harrison and Abramovitz. The design for such construction was to integrate the use of aluminum with a structural steel frame for a lighter and energy efficient building.
Phase One: Republic Center Tower I was originally known as the Republic National Bank Building. The 36-story office building and banking hall pavilion was completed at Ervay, Bryan and Pacific Streets, for the headquarters of the bank. The original plans did not include the 150-foot ornamental beacon, the famous rocket spire atop the office building. To make sure it would be the city's tallest plans were then included to pass in height supremacy Mercantile Bank which also had a tower beacon on top. This addition made the total height to 602-ft. At night from the tip of the rocket spire a beam of light shined and rotated completely around over the skyline. The light was turned off in the late sixties due to higher buildings and complaints.
Phase Two: Republic Center Tower II a follow-up concept of phase one by architects Herrell and Hamilton. The 50-story office building was completed in 1964 on the St. Paul Street side and connected to phase one as part of the growth and expansion of the bank. Completed later was the underground tunnel with retail shops that eventually connected to other nearby buildings and became the center focal point of the retail underground tunnel system.
Phase Three: Republic Center Tower III after the 20-story Medical Arts Building was razed in 1978 an 8-story building was added to the complex in 1980 and connected the southeast corner to include the entire city block bounded by Ervay, Bryan, St. Paul and Pacific Streets.
Today - Republic Center is blooming with the style of new life. In Fall 2006, Dallas' shining star will open its original 36-story tower with 275,000 square feet of luxury high-rise living. Located at the hub of Downtown's most vibrant center, the Arts District, the Central Business District and the Main Street Corridor. Stunningly re-designed by RTKL and developed by Gables Residential, the new Republic Center will provide the setting for upscale urban apartments and lofts.
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National Register of Historic Places
