WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Iconic AT&T building named in most original buildings in the world

Iconic AT&T building named in most original buildings in the world

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- French online business journal "Le Journal Du Net" has named downtown Nashville's iconic "Batman Building," or as the article names it "La Bat Tower," one of the 12 most original office buildings in the world.

David Minnigan who was part of the Earl Swensson and Associates architectural team that designed the building 15 years ago, said the mention is quite an honor.

Minnigan said, "It's surprising how much attention the whole Batman idea got. We're thrilled it is recognized as something, but really we're just excited people like it."

The building opened in 1995 and was one of the first businesses to re-locate to downtown Nashville.

Minnigan believes it helped usher in the change that we see today.

"That was a time when nobody was coming downtown," he said. "And to move a couple thousand people was a bold stroke for them (Bellsouth) and it helped get downtown back and moving again."

The Nashville skyline has not been the same since Batman landed at 333 Commerce, just off Broadway and 4th Avenue.

And many will say the AT&T building makes Nashville's skyline more identifiable from other cities.

"What was the most surprising thing… is when you come in on Hillsboro Road, or Murfreesboro Road or the old Pikes that lead into downtown, almost every view shows this building on the skyline," said Minnigan.

AT&T spokesperson Cathy Lewandowski says employees are excited to know that their office has been mentioned in the list of most original buildings worldwide.

"It's such an iconic landmark for all of downtown. People stop and look and see the spheres. They're looking for Batman and Robin,” Lewandowski said.

Other buildings making the list include the World Finance Center in Dubai, the Dancing House in Prague and a series of stacked offices in Shanghai.