The Heaviest Corner on Earth is a nickname for the intersection of 20th Street and 1st Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama. This nickname originated in the early 20th century when four of the city's tallest buildings were constructed at this intersection, marking a significant period of economic growth and architectural development in Birmingham.
1. Woodward Building (1902): The construction of the Woodward Building marked the beginning of the Heaviest Corner on Earth. It was one of the first skyscrapers in Birmingham, signaling the city's ambitions to grow and modernize.
2. Brown-Marx Building (1906): This 16-story building further solidified the intersection's status as a commercial hub. Designed by the Chicago architectural firm of D.H. Burnham & Company, the Brown-Marx Building exemplified the style and grandeur of early 20th-century architecture.
3. Empire Building (1909): The 16-story Empire Building added to the prominence of the corner. It was designed by the New York architectural firm of Weary & Alford and served as an office building for various businesses.
4. American Trust and Savings Bank Building (1912): This 10-story building, later known as the John A. Hand Building, completed the quartet of skyscrapers at the intersection. Its construction was a testament to the economic prosperity and the banking industry's growth in Birmingham.