Cecil W. Powell Insurance - Building History
Building History
A Little History About The Old Morocco Temple Building...
Built in 1910, the Old Morocco Building stands as a testament to the brilliance of architect Henry Klutho. A Pioneer of modern-American architecture, Klutho relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 1901 in order to help rebuild one of the cities leveled by the �Great Fire.� The Old Morocco Building is a product of that venture. Today it remains one of his more outstanding works in the � Prairie School � style of architecture.
The exterior of Klutho's temple sets it apart from all surrounding buildings. Characteristic of the Prairie School style, the design revolves around symmetry. Maintaining the balanced feeling of this architectural style, while adding artistic flair, Klutho utilizes an Egyptian motif. He incorporates a pair of sphinxes to flank the entrance steps. Behind the sphinxes are two ornate Egyptian columns embossed with lotus-leaf capitals. Supported by the columns is a two-story trapezoidal structure the upper portion of which is a large, leaded-glass window containing red and orange cathedral glass with gold relief. Finally, at the pinnacle of the structure is an embossed symbol of Isis � the Egyptian goddess of fertility. Although the Shriners undoubtedly necessitated the Egyptian motif, Klutho's creative vision bestows the theme vivacity.
Once erected, the Old Morocco Building now stands on the corner of Newnan and Monroe Streets, downtown Jacksonville . A set of double doors located off of Newnan Street serves as the main entrance to the building and the public lobby. Entering the lobby one is surrounded by original art. The walls depict abstract papyrus plants and Egyptian sphinx motifs rendered in faience tile in shades of umber, white, and polychrome. The floors, tiled to resemble Oriental rugs, further contribute to the regal atmosphere of the building. Glancing to either side of the lobby (as it was in 1911) one would see clubrooms located next to two symmetrical �floating� stairways. Elegantly built, these stairways were created with delicately proportioned handrails of wood and metal. Following the stairways to their base, one would descend to a half basement containing restrooms fully tiled in mosaics complimenting those in the lobby. Directly ahead of the lobby entrance was a vestibule with more clubrooms on both sides. Beyond this vestibule were a large banquet hall and a sizable kitchen. All of this was in addition to an auditorium with seating capacity of 1,200. This building was created to accommodate the masses. Accommodate them it did�in sophisticated style. The Morocco Temple Building was an outstanding sight in 1910, and continues to be so to this very day.
The cornerstone was laid on September 17, 1910 , under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Florida F & AM and the Nobles of the Morocco Temple . The building was completed in May of 1911. Today, thanks to the renovation of the National Historic Society, the Old Morocco Building remains as glorious as in the days of its origination.
The Sphinx is the corporate symbol of Cecil W. Powell & Company. Throughout the ages, it has stood as a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. At Cecil W. Powell & Company, it exemplifies this corporation's place in the world of insurance.