17 & 19 Newhall Street, Birmingham, Grade I listed building in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
17 & 19 Newhall Street is a Grade I listed building in Birmingham made of red brick with decorative terracotta elements spanning three floors. The structure displays a carefully designed facade with ornamental details typical of Victorian commercial architecture.
The building was constructed in 1887 by architects Martin & Chamberlain and originally served as the Central Telephone Exchange for the region. It functioned as one of the nation's most important telecommunications centers during its early years.
The entrance gates display the National Telephone Company logo and reference Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison. These details mark the building's role in advancing telecommunications in Britain.
The building houses various businesses today and can be viewed from outside to appreciate its Victorian architecture and decorative elements. Its location at the intersection of Newhall Street and Edmund Street makes it easy to find in central Birmingham.
During World War I, the building served as the regional center for coordinating air raid warning systems across the Midlands. This critical role made it an essential part of civil defense operations throughout the war.
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