Greenleaf and Crosby Building, Jacksonville
There鈥檚 nothing quite like a little architectural eccentricity to keep things interesting, and the Greenleaf & Crosby Building delivers it with flair. Built in 1927 for one of Jacksonville鈥檚 top-tier jewelry houses, this early skyscraper doesn鈥檛 just sparkle with history鈥攊t leans into it鈥� a little unevenly.
The original blueprint called for a modest six-story structure. But somewhere between ambition and budget gymnastics, one half of the building stretched up to twelve stories while the other half... well, didn鈥檛. Thus, a charmingly lopsided silhouette was born that has confused architects and delighted pedestrians ever since.
What it lacks in symmetry, it makes up for in detail. Cast your eyes skyward and you鈥檒l spot terra-cotta panels packed with mythical griffins, imperious eagles, and enough decorative flourishes to make your neck sore. Down at street level, a soaring two-story arched entrance once ushered well-heeled customers into the Greenleaf & Crosby showroom鈥攁 gilded universe of gemstones, gold, and good taste.
And just outside? One of Jacksonville鈥檚 most beloved meet-up points: the Jacobs Jewelers clock. This cast-iron beauty, crafted in 1901, landed at the building鈥檚 corner in 1930 and has been keeping time ever since. At 2.2 tons, it doesn鈥檛 go unnoticed鈥攁nd it probably wouldn鈥檛 move even if you wanted it to.
So, while the Greenleaf & Crosby Building may not win any awards for structural balance, it absolutely holds its own in Jacksonville鈥檚 skyline. It鈥檚 a little off-kilter, a lot of fun to look at, and a perfect reminder that elegance doesn鈥檛 always have to play by the rules.
The original blueprint called for a modest six-story structure. But somewhere between ambition and budget gymnastics, one half of the building stretched up to twelve stories while the other half... well, didn鈥檛. Thus, a charmingly lopsided silhouette was born that has confused architects and delighted pedestrians ever since.
What it lacks in symmetry, it makes up for in detail. Cast your eyes skyward and you鈥檒l spot terra-cotta panels packed with mythical griffins, imperious eagles, and enough decorative flourishes to make your neck sore. Down at street level, a soaring two-story arched entrance once ushered well-heeled customers into the Greenleaf & Crosby showroom鈥攁 gilded universe of gemstones, gold, and good taste.
And just outside? One of Jacksonville鈥檚 most beloved meet-up points: the Jacobs Jewelers clock. This cast-iron beauty, crafted in 1901, landed at the building鈥檚 corner in 1930 and has been keeping time ever since. At 2.2 tons, it doesn鈥檛 go unnoticed鈥攁nd it probably wouldn鈥檛 move even if you wanted it to.
So, while the Greenleaf & Crosby Building may not win any awards for structural balance, it absolutely holds its own in Jacksonville鈥檚 skyline. It鈥檚 a little off-kilter, a lot of fun to look at, and a perfect reminder that elegance doesn鈥檛 always have to play by the rules.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jacksonville. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Greenleaf and Crosby Building on Map
Sight Name: Greenleaf and Crosby Building
Sight Location: Jacksonville, USA (See walking tours in Jacksonville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Jacksonville, USA (See walking tours in Jacksonville)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Jacksonville, Florida
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