The Republic National Bank Building, also known as Gables Republic Tower, is a 36-story Art Deco skyscraper in Downtown Dallas, Texas. It was designed by George Dahl and completed in 1961. The building was originally the headquarters of Republic National Bank, which was founded in 1920. In 2005, the building was purchased by Gables Residential, which converted it into luxury apartments. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Early History
The Republic National Bank Building was built on the site of the former Guaranty Bank & Trust building, which was designed by Sanguinet & Staats and completed in 1920. The Guaranty Bank & Trust building was one of the first skyscrapers in Dallas, and it was notable for its Art Deco design. However, the building was damaged in a fire in 1937, and it was demolished in 1959.
Construction
The Republic National Bank Building was designed by George Dahl, a prominent Dallas architect. Dahl was known for his Art Deco designs, and the Republic National Bank Building is one of his most famous works. The building was constructed using reinforced concrete and steel, and it was clad in aluminum panels. The building’s distinctive tower is topped by a rocket ship sculpture.
Opening and Early Years
The Republic National Bank Building opened in 1961, and it was immediately hailed as a landmark. The building was praised for its elegant design and its use of cutting-edge technology. The building’s lobby was decorated with marble, teakwood, and gold leaf railings. The elevator system was one of the fastest in the world at the time. A large search light beacon rotated in the sky from the spire on top of the building. This feature was eventually removed in order to avoid confusing air traffic.
Additions and Renovations
In 1964, a two-story addition was built onto the Republic National Bank Building. The addition was designed by Harrell & Hamilton, and it was clad in the same aluminum panels as the original building. In 1978, a three-story addition was built onto the building. The addition was designed by Omniplan, and it was clad in glass.
In 2005, the Republic National Bank Building was purchased by Gables Residential. Gables Residential renovated the building and converted it into luxury apartments. The apartments feature high-end finishes and amenities, such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood floors.
Asbestos
Asbestos was a common building material in the United States in the mid-20th century. It was used in a variety of products, including insulation, roofing materials, and floor tiles. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and it can cause a variety of health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The Republic National Bank Building was built in 1961 – at the height of use of asbestos as a construction material.
In 2005, Gables Residential conducted a comprehensive environmental survey of the Republic National Bank Building. The survey found that asbestos was present in the building’s insulation and roofing materials. Gables Residential developed an asbestos management plan to safely remove and encapsulate the asbestos. The asbestos removal and encapsulation work was completed in 2006.
Conclusion
The Republic National Bank Building is a historic landmark in Dallas, Texas. The building is a testament to the city’s growth and prosperity in the mid-20th century. The building has been carefully restored and renovated, and it is now a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Asbestos in the Republic National Bank Building
In 2005, Gables Residential conducted a comprehensive environmental survey of the building. The survey found that asbestos was present in the building’s insulation and roofing materials. Gables Residential developed an asbestos management plan to safely remove and encapsulate the asbestos. The asbestos removal and encapsulation work was completed in 2006.
Today, the Republic National Bank Building is safe for occupants and visitors. The asbestos that was once present in the building has been removed or encapsulated.
Here are some additional facts about the Republic National Bank Building:
- The building was the tallest building in Dallas when it was completed in 1961.
- The building’s exterior is covered in over 1 million aluminum panels.
- The building’s lobby features a 30-foot-tall marble wall with a gold leaf mosaic.
- The building’s elevator system was one of the fastest in the world when it was built.
- The building was the headquarters of Republic National Bank until 1988, when the bank was acquired by First Interstate Bancorp.
- The building was vacant for several years in the early 1990s before it was purchased by Gables Residential in 2005.
- The building underwent a $100 million renovation in 2006, which converted it into luxury apartments.
- The building is home to the Gables Republic Tower Museum, which tells the story of the building and its history.