By: J.E. Miller
Miller on Sports was the first news group to cover the lettering of the new WELLS FARGO BUILDING. Watch the video below.
The cost of the installation was suggested to be approximately $200,000 and one can only guess the lighted letters are $3000 a piece. Total $260,000.
The cost of the installation was suggested to be approximately $200,000 and one can only guess the lighted letters are $3000 a piece. Total $260,000.
It is rare when you find yourself in the middle of a historical moment but just by accident that happened this morning at 8:30 a.m. We were headed downtown for business when we noticed a LARGE helicopter hovering precariously above the former MODIS building. Our next clue came when we realized that the police had blocked off the Main Street Bridge and two blocks in every direction around the Jacksonville Landing. What we soon discovered was that this helicopter was delivering 14 ft. tall lettering to be installed on the front and back side of the building. The letters W,E,L,L,S,F,A,R,G,O, transformed the former MODIS buidling into the WELLS FARGO building.
The first step in attaching new lettering is the removal of the old lettering brackets and the installation of the new brackets. In this video, you can watch as the men install the brackets. Don't forget to watch the dramatic second video where the helicopter carries each letter to the proper location.
The first step in attaching new lettering is the removal of the old lettering brackets and the installation of the new brackets. In this video, you can watch as the men install the brackets. Don't forget to watch the dramatic second video where the helicopter carries each letter to the proper location.
Having lived in Jacksonville, Florida, since 1964, I have witnessed the construction of this building (1974) and its name change three times. Originally opened as the Independent Life building, it is built on reclaimed land from the St. John's River. In fact, all of the land between the river and Bay Street was reclaimed. My buddy John worked on the excavation for the footer for the Independent Life building. Their construction company dug nearly 60 ft. below the surface. John told me that days before the concrete was poured into the footer, a construction worker found an antique railroad engine that had fallen into the river years earlier. It was a coal fired engine so he suspected it could be 100 years old. The construction company quickly covered it with concrete to avoid any historical inspection delays. I guess 500 years from now when the building is removed for a "newer" building, they might discover this train.
It was constructed in 1974 and named the Independent Life building. In the mid-80's, it was titled ACCUSTAFF. In 2002, it was renamed the MODIS building. Once the tallest building in Florida, it held this title from 1974 until 1990. Watch as the building is transformed into the WELLS FARGO building letter by letter.
This is the most photographed building in the city's skyline. It has been featured in many national telecasts including the Super Bowl and every Monday Night Football game played in Jacksonville. WELLS FARGO will receive a great deal of exposure for this move.
It was constructed in 1974 and named the Independent Life building. In the mid-80's, it was titled ACCUSTAFF. In 2002, it was renamed the MODIS building. Once the tallest building in Florida, it held this title from 1974 until 1990. Watch as the building is transformed into the WELLS FARGO building letter by letter.
This is the most photographed building in the city's skyline. It has been featured in many national telecasts including the Super Bowl and every Monday Night Football game played in Jacksonville. WELLS FARGO will receive a great deal of exposure for this move.Read this First Coast News Story regarding the lettering:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/article/220362/3/Wells-Fargo-Name-Goes-Up-In-Downtown-Jacksonville
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