It was 1955. The Jacksonville skyline would never be the same. Top executives from the New Jersey-based Prudential Insurance Company decided to build a corporate headquarters for the southern central region covering a 10-state area along the Southbank of the St. Johns.
At the time, the 300-foot structure was the tallest office building in the South and, more importantly, it helped transform the downtown’s image — from shipping and retailers — to the home of corporate headquarters.
The Aetna Building is a historical landmark. Designed by the Jacksonville-based KBJ Architects, the 22-story structure still maintains its original character with accents such as imported marble floors and columns.
There’s a classic 1950’s-style grand lobby and entrance with distinctive Up/Down elevator indicators. Constructed of materials native to the area including 30,000 cubic feet of Alabama limestone and 3,420 cubic feet of North Carolina pink marble, builders also used a large quantity of Georgia marble.
Situated in a park-like setting on 13 acres along the river, the original building housed the former Flagship Bank, specialty clothing and retail shops and even the original River Club, which took up the 19th floor.
The building underwent renovations four years ago that incorporated new interior design elements to mesh with the classic components found throughout.
One of the best-known original features was a ground floor auditorium that hosted many proms, graduations, political rallies and even school plays. It now has been converted to office space.
When Aetna and The Prudential Insurance Company of America announced they had entered into an agreement for Aetna to acquire the Prudential Health Care business, the building’s namesake changed to The Aetna Building, denoting the presence of its largest client.
The Jacksonville-based South Shore Group purchased the building last year. Led by managing partners Hal Dodt and Jeff Douglas, the investment company has extensive experience in commercial real estate during the past 30 years, all of which has been focused on Florida.