Wow thanks for all the positive feedback you guys, really, it means a lot! :')
BoiseAirport, I am honored that Staunton has influenced your life in that way! I am more than inspired to continue on with Staunton after reading your response, what did you end up switching your major to anyways?
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I've been working on the northeast corner of downtown, known to locals as
Callahan Point, here is where you will find some of Staunton's most prestigious office real estate. This part of the financial district was majorly abandoned in the 1960's as companies moved to the several new boxy towers that started popping up in midtown. The completion of One Galcorp Plaza in 1979 signaled a new renewed interest in the area. During the height of the 1980's real estate craze, developers quickly started buying and demolishing blocks of old dilapidated buildings to make room for gleaming postmodern skyscrapers. Today the area is the pinnacle of the Staunton skyline, anchored by One Galcorp Plaza.
One Galcorp Plaza, at 1169 feet and 83 stories, it is by far Staunton's tallest building. It is the tallest building outside of New York and Chicago, 6th overall in the nation. In the 1970's, mega-conglomorate, Staunton-based Galcorp was starting to becoming one of the most profitable enterprises in the world. It was decided that the company would move it's headquarters to one central building. Originally planned as the tallest in the US, city officials and locals shortened the tower to it's current height. The twin antennas, which were added in the years after it's completion, bring the total height to 1366 feet.
When it was completed it was very negatively received by the general public. The building and landscaped plaza replaced Staunton's original city hall, which had not been landmarked. Despite a preservation battle, the building was no match for Galcorp. It's destruction led to a much needed landmarking frenzy across the city, saving many historical buildings from simular fates. Today, One Galcorp Plaza is considered a Staunton icon, it has been integrated into the city's culture as a permanent fixture on the city skyline. The 80th floor observation deck is a popular destination for tourists and locals, providing sweeping views of Jefferson and New Ganton. The plaza is also popular lunchtime hangout, an underground concourse filled with retail and restaurant space is located beneath the building.
After One Galcorp Plaza was completed the neighborhood saw a renaissance, old run-down buildings were replaced with towering office buildings with large lavishly landscaped plazas. I am trying to model a small portion of this area after Bunker Hill in Los Angeles, where I am drew my inspiration for the two major skyscrapers in Callahan Point, the AtlantiCorp Center and the Worthington Place.
Completed in 1986, the 922 foot, 63 story
AtlantiCorp Center stands as the 3rd tallest building in Staunton (for now). You may recognize this building from past incarnations of Staunton as the ELFThompson Center. I've increased the height of this bad boy, renamed it, and gave it a much more prominent place in the skyline, this building is huge! Located right next door is the 816 foot, 53 story
Worthington Place, completed in 1989, it serves as the regional headquarters for Worthington Enterprises. This elegant postmodern beauty is known for it's two giant "W" logos placed on the north and south facades that illuminate the night skyline. The other two skyscrapers that make up this super dense cluster are
Two Galcorp Plaza (2006) and the
AmeriBank Center (2002).
As you can see, Staunton is no longer stuck in the past! Start expecting more 21st century buildings here and there, I'm ready to bring Staunton to the iPhone age!
Stay tuned for more!