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Source Collection
Alan Karchmer collection, Special Collections Department, University of Memphis Libraries
Identifier
16_11.A2
Description
Commerce Title Building, 12 S. Main, Memphis, Tennessee. Built in 1904 & 1915. Photographer: Alan Karchmer. © Alan Karchmer.
Now absurdly defaced at the ground floor, this structure embodies early concepts of dealing with vertical expression of tall structures. Like a column, it is composed of a base, shaft, and capital.
At the beginning of this century increasing urban density and escalating land values provided impetus for the evolution of the skyscraper. The development of steel skeleton construction and high-speed electric elevator made this truly American building type possible. While the Porter Building was Memphis' first, soaring an impressive eleven stories, it was soon overtaken in size by many others built during the post-WW I boom.
Date Created
2021
Date
undated
Recommended Citation
"Commerce Title Building, Memphis" (2021). Images. 25.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-mss-karchmera2/25
Keywords
Architecture--Tennessee--Memphis.
Rights Statement
Archival Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2026, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. This material is part of a digital archival collection and is not utilized for current University instruction, programs, or active public communication. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.
