I wish I could recall something about these beautiful old structures. Continental Insurance Company rented me an office in the Medical Arts Building on West Avenue, in the same block as the public library. It was a great location. Except for the last of available parking it was an excellent location. You could walk to the post office, and most of our insurance agents were within walking distance, which really helped to give good claim service back in the 60's when there was still that goal of insurance companies. The Medical Arts Building was built to withstand enemy attacks, and had provision for anti-aircraft guns mounted on the roof top, to protect the shipyard.
- Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 08/09/04 |
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As a young lad, I can recall my Dad showing me the concrete pads on the greenway on the west side of Huntington Avenue above 60th St. He explained that there were AA gun emplacements there during WWII, also to protect the Shipyard.
- Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 08/09/04 |
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Do you mean THIS Medical Arts Building????
(Above Images
Courtesy of Dave
Spriggs - '64 - of VA - 08/10/04) |
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That is the one! Great shot of the Medical Arts Building on West Avenue in the 2900 Block. She still looks pretty good, and it is not surprising since it was so well built with lots of steel. Thanks for sharing those great photos.
- Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 08/10/04 |
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Having mentioned the Medical Arts Building I should add that it changed hands in 2001. It was renovated for use as apartments. It’s assessed value jumped from $77,000 before the sale to about half a million now. So I guess there are some good things happening downtown. The building looks absolutely gorgeous now, with it's striking architectural details preserved. Give it a look next time you’re in the area. It’s at 2901 West Avenue, next door to the library.
- Steve Silsby (FHS - '72) of NC - 01/11/06 |
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December 2005 | |||
Image by Steve Silsby (FHS - '72) of NC | |||
Thanks, Steve! It is pretty! It was on our Magical Mystery Tour last October, and I took special note of it because I used to go to White Optical Company on the first floor to buy my eyeglasses there from the time we moved to town in January of 1954. I was even fitted for my first pair of contact lenses there. |
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(This page was created on 01/19/06.)