Modis Building

Infobox Skyscraper
building_name= Modis Building


location= 1 Independent Drive,cite web|url=http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=4159|title=Modis Tower|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=SkyscraperPage.com] Jacksonville, Florida, United States
constructed= 1972-1974
opening= 1974
use= Office
antenna_spire= 638 feet (195 m)
roof= 535 feet (163 m)cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=modistower-jacksonville-fl-usa|title=Modis Tower|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=Emporis.com]
floor_count= 37
architect= KBJ Architects
developer= Capital Partners
owner= Wachovia Bank

The Modis Building, also known as Modis Tower, is a skyscraper in Jacksonville, Florida. Standing 535 feet (163 m) tall, it is currently the city's 2nd-tallest building. Two antenna masts increase the building's total height to 638 feet (195 m), making the Modis Building the tallest structure in the city when measuring to pinnacle height.

History

The tower was completed in 1974 by the Independent Life and Accident Insurance Company, and was known as the Independent Life Building. [ [http://dept.ju.edu/geography/tour/modis.htm Jacksonville University: Geography department-Modis Building] ] The design concept included a sloping base and the larger corner frames to provide a distinctive image not only for the company, but also as an identifying landmark for the city of Jacksonville. KBJ Architects received the "Honor Award for Outstanding Achievement in Design" by the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Institute of Architects for the Modis Building.

The Modis Building contains 37 floors, and held the title of tallest building in the city from its completion until 1990, when the Bank of America Tower surpassed it in height. The building also stood as the tallest in the state of Florida until 1981, when One Tampa City Center was completed. The building was designed by KBJ Architects and takes up a whole city block in Jacksonville's downtown. A notable feature of the structure is a four story atrium of tropical vegitation where the public enters. [http://www.kbj.com/awards/corporate/modis.htm KBJ Architects website: Awards-Modis Building] ]

River Club

The "River Club of Jacksonville" was established in 1954 as a business club like those in New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. [ [http://www.jaxriverclub.com/history.htm Jacksonville River Club website: history] ] and some of Jacksonville's most notable, powerful and wealthy citizens have wined and dined. Innumerable deals and plans have been made between members or members and their guests.

The club occupies the top two floors of the Modis building and provides a stunning view of the city, the St. Johns River and the sunset. [ [http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Florida/Jacksonville-763031/Local_Customs-Jacksonville-Skyscrapers_Architecture-BR-1.html Virtual tourist.com: Skyscrapers & Architecture: Riverplace Tower and its little known dining spots] ] . Elegant furnishings of sparkling chandeliers, warm woods, and rich fabrics lend an elegant ambiance to this exclusive private club. On the 34th floor, the "Duval Room", the "Mayport Room", the "Avondale Room" and the "Ortega Room" can be used as conference rooms, board rooms or dining rooms for a variety of meetings, parties and receptions.

Patrons choose between the "St. Johns formal dining room", the "St. Johns casual dining room" or the "Social Lounge" bistro which features a diverse menu. An impressive spiral staircase flows from the 34th to the 35th floors, where the "Stairway View" balcony is available for cocktail receptions and member parties. The 35th floor is also the location of dual ballrooms, the "Florida Room" and the "River Room", which together can seat 350 people.

Membership was traditionally comprised of corporate executives and business owners, but the number of primarily social members has increased significantly, and the board room has fused with the society page. That is what distinguishes the River Club from the University Club, among others.

Gate Petroleum purchased the River Club during the club's 50th anniversary year in 2004. The club's 1,300 members voted to approve the deal, in which Gate planned to spend $2.5 million renovating the Modis location in preparation for Super Bowl XXXIX. [ [http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2004/03/15/daily7.html Jacksonville Business Journal: March 15, 2004-Gate completes purchase of River Club by Ryan Geddes] ]

See also

* List of tallest buildings in Jacksonville

References

###@@@KEY@@@###succession box| before=Riverplace Tower
title=Tallest Building in Jacksonville| years=1974—1990 163m| after=Bank of America Towersuccession box| before=Vehicle Assembly Building
title=Tallest Building in Florida| years=1974—1981 163.1m| after=One Tampa City Center

External links

* [http://www.jaxriverclub.com/ Jacksonville River Club website]