Recently I spent an afternoon exploring the Florida's old Capitol in downtown Tallahassee and for the next few days I am going to take you on a tour of this lovely old building. One of the first things anyone notices from the outside are the red and white striped awnings on the windows. Most people either love them or hate them and I admit I wasn't too fond of them when they first appeared after the building was restored, but now they have kind of grown on me. The old state Capitol has been standing on this same site since 1845, but it underwent many changes through the years, until the newer 20 story building which you can see standing behind it was completed in 1977. From 1978-1982, the old Capitol was restored to its 1902 appearance and those awnings are authentic to that period. This intensive project of historical, architectural and archaeological investigation made Florida’s Capitol one of the most thoroughly documented capitol restoration projects in the nation. I would love to hear your opinion of those awnings. Love them or hate them?
19 comments:
As I said before I visited the building in 2008 and the first thing I saw were the awnings. I love them, it makes such an offical building more friendly to enter. I must admit I was surprised, hadn't seen this before in the US, but when the sun shines it looks so southern.
I like the, they at least add color. Growning up I remember thinking everything in the old days was black and white, because that how everything was filmed.
It was a jolt at first, because I thought they were a modern add-on. But, if authentic to the period, then bravo. They add color for the viewer and shade for the occupant.
I have always loved them.
those little awnings really popped out at me and i love them! can't wait to see more lois! :)
I can take them.
Although I do think the building, with the awnings, kind of reminds me of a LARGE ice cream parlor. Make mine chocolate chip with sprinkles w/ a sugar cone. hahahaha
Those colors fairly pop. Nice.
I think I'm a little in love with them. Initially, I was kind of surprised but like you said, they do grow on you :D
What a grand, historic place! Any photos from inside? I love the "candy cane" awnings!
Montana vacation regards
I appreciate your post. It's nice to read write ups about some historic places in America. Great shots as well.
By the way, I am from the Philippines.
Cassy from Download Guitar Lessons
The awning are more candy-store than important-building, but the overall effect it is not so bad!
I've always loved these beautiful red and white awnings. The capitol wouldn't look right without them.
Actually, I like them a lot...I think they shout "old Florida." Beautiful photos, Lois. I've seen pictures of the building before but none as nice as yours!
By the way, I was wondering what you fed that dog in your living room? ;-)
I love the awnings. They are so bright and cheerful and seem so appropriate for Florida!
I like the awnings. I think they add a nice touch of color!
The awnings are unusual for a capitol. But, they remind me of the stripes on the USA flag. I don't know if that was the original intent. They look quite pretty to me. 1902 was two years before my father was born. I can picture people dressed in that time period walking outside a building with red and white awnings. :) It all fits.
Gorgeous shots, Lois. I sure like the older building better than the new. The awnings? I like 'em. MB
The awnings are unusual on such a grand building but they make sense with the sunshine you get and they look quite smart I think.
This is a neat series, Lois! The colorful glass in the dome is fantastic!
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