Photographed on March 6, 1973 this image was one of a series taken by photographer Loyd Sandgren to show the different stages of construction of what would become the Independent Life Building. When it was completed in 1974 it was the tallest building in Jacksonville at 535 feet tall. In 1990 it became the second tallest building when the Bank of America Tower on North Laura Street was completed. It topped out at 617 feet. The Independent Life Building was later renamed the Modis Building and is now known as the Wells Fargo Center but its address remains 1 Independent Drive. Of particular note is the surface parking lot along the riverfront behind the construction site. It is now the location of the Jacksonville Landing.
Tags: construction, historic photograph, Independent Drive, Independent Life, Independent Square, Modis, parking, St. Johns River, vintage photography, Wells Fargo
