Truist Plaza
| Industry | Office building |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | One Peachtree Center, SunTrust Plaza |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | John C. Portman Jr. |
| Fate | Renamed following mergers and rebranding |
| Headquarters | Atlanta , United States |
Key people | John C. Portman Jr. |
| Products | Office space |
| Owner | Truist Financial Corporation (following merger) |
| Website | www |
Truist Plaza is a 60-story skyscraper situated in downtown Atlanta. The structure was designed by John C. Portman Jr. of John Portman & Associates and constructed between 1989 and 1992. In the mid-1990s, Portman sold a 50% interest to SunTrust Banks, which moved its headquarters into the building, leading to its renaming from One Peachtree Center to SunTrust Plaza. After the 2021 merger between SunTrust Banks and BB&T, the tower was rebranded as Truist Plaza. It is also referred to as 303 Peachtree.
The building’s roof reaches 871 feet (265 m), with an overall height of 902 feet (275 m) including its antenna. When completed, it was ranked as the 28th tallest worldwide and the 21st tallest in the United States. Today, Truist Plaza is the 471st tallest building globally, the 58th tallest in the U.S., and holds the position of second tallest in Atlanta. A distinctive feature of the tower is a rotating light installed at its summit.
History
During the commercial real estate boom of the 1980s, architect and developer John C. Portman Jr. envisioned this project as a speculative office skyscraper. The design embraced a postmodern square form with an intricate base and crown, marking a departure from Portman’s earlier International-style projects. This approach was reportedly influenced by Philip Johnson’s successful design of midtown Atlanta’s One Atlantic Center.
Construction commenced in 1989 amid optimistic market conditions; however, by its opening in 1992, Atlanta’s real estate market had collapsed. The building experienced significant vacancy, nearly resulting in Portman’s bankruptcy and loss of control over much of his property holdings. Nevertheless, John Portman & Associates established their headquarters within the tower.
The lobby spans two levels and showcases artwork, sculptures, and furniture designed by Portman himself. Its lighting system includes rotating components that enhance the interior ambiance.
Recent events
In mid-March 2008, the building sustained minor damage during the 2008 Atlanta tornado, faring better than nearby structures. Due to broken windows, some tenants temporarily relocated their offices within different parts of the building.
The low-power television station WDTA-LD transferred its broadcast antenna to Truist Plaza’s roof from the taller Bank of America Plaza. This installation marked the first broadcast antenna atop this skyscraper, despite it being Atlanta’s second-tallest building.
Since its opening, John Portman & Associates Architects have continuously maintained offices in the building.
Starting in 1997, a pair of peregrine falcons have nested on a balcony more than 50 stories above ground level, benefiting from protection against predators and harsh weather conditions. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division provides live streaming footage of this nesting activity through a web camera.
In October 2021, Truist announced intentions to install new signage on the crown of the building. The sign was placed on January 23, 2022, necessitating temporary closures of adjacent streets and sidewalks around the skyscraper.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Office buildings finished in 1992
- Headquarters of banking firms in the United States
- Office towers located in Atlanta
- Works by John C. Portman Jr.
- World Trade Center locations
- Postmodern architectural designs in the United States
- High-rise office buildings in Atlanta
- SunTrust Banks