Jacksonville Architecture

This building was constructed for First Federal Savings & Loan, which was founded in 1934 and had its original office in the Palmer Building, just two doors away. Its first president was Finley Tucker, who was also a founder of Tucker Brothers, a real estate firm that has had its headquarters at 331 West Forsyth Street since this building opened. Architect Jefferson Powell designed the building, using the Art Deco style and featuring the "ultra-modern" advantages of air-conditioning, acoustical tile ceilings, and aluminum windows. The insignia of the Federal Savings & Loan institution is featured in a stone shield above the central window, with the seal of the Federal Home Loan Bank System above the flanking windows. These same designs can be seen on the Hildebrandt Building (D-12), where First Federal Savings & Loan moved its banking facility in 1955.