City Federal Building

City Federal Building is a neoclassical skyscraper in Birmingham with 27 floors and white stone facades. Its symmetrical design and prominent corner location at Second Avenue North and 21st Street North define its bold presence.

Constructed in 1913 as Jefferson County Savings Bank, it stood as Alabama's tallest building for 56 years. Its position at the top of the state's skyline during this period reflected Birmingham's growth as a major financial center.

The building once housed WSGN Radio in its upper levels, broadcasting music across the Southeast as a major Top 40 station. This radio presence shaped the listening habits of the region for decades.

The building sits at an easy-to-find corner in downtown Birmingham with good visibility from the street. Visitors can view the facade from the sidewalk and appreciate the neoclassical details from multiple angles.

The Birmingham band St. Paul and The Broken Bones named a song after this building on their 2023 album. This musical tribute shows how the building remains woven into the city's contemporary culture.

Location: Alabama

Official opening: 1913

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Floors above the ground: 27

GPS coordinates: 33.51614,-86.80523

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00