Bank of America Plaza (Atlanta)
| Company type | Commercial office building |
|---|---|
| Industry | Real estate / Office space |
| Predecessor | NationsBank Plaza |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Cousins Properties |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia , United States |
Area served | Atlanta metropolitan area |
| Products | Office space |
| Owner | CP Group and HPS Investment Partners (joint venture, since 2022) |
| Website | www |
Bank of America Plaza—commonly referred to as the pencil building—is a supertall skyscraper positioned between Midtown Atlanta and Downtown Atlanta. Standing at , it ranks as the 23rd tallest structure in the United States as of 2024, holds the distinction of being the tallest in the Southeast, and surpasses all other skyscrapers located in U.S. state capitals, overtaking the , 50-story One Atlantic Center. This tower comprises 55 floors dedicated to commercial office use and was finalized in 1992 under its initial designation, NationsBank Plaza.
Originally intended to serve as the headquarters for Citizens & Southern National Bank, the project underwent changes during construction when C&S merged with Sovran Bank. Subsequently, following NCNB’s 1991 hostile acquisition of C&S/Sovran, ownership transferred to NationsBank.
Architectural details
The building was developed by Cousins Properties and designed by the architectural firm Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC. It exhibits a Postmodern architectural style infused with Art Deco elements. Remarkably, construction was completed within just 14 months, placing it among the most rapidly erected skyscrapers. Its dark façade combined with pronounced vertical lines accentuates its height while optimizing the number of lucrative corner offices. The Plaza spans over on Peachtree Street.
Crowning the structure is an obelisk-shaped spire predominantly adorned with 23-karat gold leaf. Beneath this, an illuminated open-lattice steel pyramid emits a yellow-orange glow after dark, symbolizing a contemporary take on Art Deco motifs reminiscent of iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building. The main roof maintains a flat profile topped by a gilded girder pyramid, illuminated by high-pressure sodium lamps.
Positioned at a 45-degree angle relative to Atlanta’s street grid, the skyscraper is set back more than 50 yards from Peachtree and West Peachtree Streets. These setbacks are occupied by driveways, garage entrances, granite staircases, and landscaped areas. Along North Avenue, the building directly adjoins the sidewalk, providing entry points via parking garage access and lobby stairs. It faces the MARTA North Avenue rail station.
To leverage Midtown Atlanta’s escalating land values, developers have explored converting adjacent driveways and green spaces into low- to mid-rise mixed-use developments. From 2014 through 2016, approximately $1.04 million was invested in neighborhood enhancements such as improved sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, pedestrian lighting, bicycle racks, and landscaping.
When completed, Bank of America Plaza held the title of tallest building in the U.S. outside New York City and Chicago and was ranked eighth tallest nationwide.
Renovations and sustainable building initiative
A $30 million refurbishment in 2014 revitalized the lobby area, health club facilities, and conference spaces. The building achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification and earned recognition from the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce with its E3 Liquid Assets award for water conservation efforts. Additionally, Midtown Alliance honored it as an EcoDistrict Green Luminary for its dedication to environmental sustainability.
Beginning in 2016, $15 million was dedicated to upgrading communal spaces including the lobby and west wing to address previously deferred maintenance issues.
Building ownership
In 2006, BentleyForbes acquired the property from Cousins Properties for $436 million, marking a record price of $348 per square foot. After foreclosure proceedings in 2012, ownership transferred to LNR and the lending institutions.
The following year, CWCapital took over asset management and acted on behalf of bondholders, succeeding LNR. They engaged Cushman & Wakefield to provide real estate services and contracted Onyx Equities for property management duties.
By 2016, a San Francisco-based investment fund overseen by Shorenstein Properties purchased the building and selected CBRE Group to manage leasing operations.
The principal occupant is the law firm Troutman Pepper.
In 2022, a joint venture between CP Group—Atlanta’s second-largest landlord—and HPS Investment Partners secured ownership of the building for an undisclosed amount.
In popular culture
This structure is portrayed as the headquarters of Westgroup Energy in AMC's drama series Halt and Catch Fire and is regularly featured in cityscape shots on Netflix’s The Resident.
See also
- List of tallest buildings in the United States
- List of tallest buildings by U.S. state
- List of tallest buildings in Atlanta
- Downtown Atlanta
- Midtown Atlanta