In 1953, the Independent Life Insurance Company began construction on their new corporate headquarters at the corner of Duval and Julia Streets in Jacksonville.  The building, clad in a combination of limestone, glazed brick, granite, and glass, immediately became a landmark for the city with dramatic massing, a glazed executive penthouse, and iconic stainless steel signage and canopies.

Dasher Hurst, on behalf of SouthEast Holdings, was commissioned to restore this building to its former glory, while increasing the square footage of the floor plates and providing on-site parking.  The resulting design takes its cues from the existing mid-century modern jewel, while updating the material palette and incorporating modern technologies.  The new 13 story addition is comprised of retail storefronts on Duval Street with three stories of parking between it and the nine stories of office above.  The new tower culminates in a dramatic penthouse terrace overlooking Hemming Plaza and the Courthouse District to the south.