John Hand Building

The John Hand Building is a 20-story high-rise on North 20th Street standing about 287 feet tall. The limestone facade with metal window frames in Classical Revival style has eight commercial floors below and twelve residential levels above, connected to a parking structure by a pedestrian bridge.

It was constructed in 1912 as the headquarters for American Trust and Savings Bank and held the title of Birmingham's tallest building for just one year. The arrival of the City Federal Building in 1913 marked the end of its dominance over the skyline.

The building showcases early banking design with its grand entrance and banking hall finished in marble from Sylacauga. These spaces reveal how financial institutions shaped the appearance and prestige of the city during that era.

The building sits at a central location with good street access from downtown Birmingham. The attached parking structure makes it convenient to visit or conduct business in the complex.

The building is home to the headquarters of technology company Shipt, marking its shift from a traditional banking center to a modern tech workplace. This transformation shows how older structures can adapt to serve contemporary businesses and industries.

Location: Birmingham

Official opening: 1912

Floors above the ground: 20

GPS coordinates: 33.51435,-86.80518

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49