Mountain Brook in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
America's First Office Park
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 15, 2021
1. America's First Office Park Marker
In 1955, Ervin Jackson and Newman H. Waters developed the first office park in the United States.
Since 1871 office buildings had been located in downtown Birmingham so the concept of thousands of workers coming to a suburban work-place was a daring experiment. The new plan worked and changed forever the working habits of office employees all over America.
With the concept of low-rise buildings, free parking, easy access and beautiful surroundings, with landscaping, fountains and attractive architecture, the idea quickly spread across the country. Philip C. Jackson, Sr. was also very instrumental in bringing Mountain Brook Office Park to fruition.
The successful beginning of this office park was through the contributions of various people including architects Harry D. Hester and Lawrence S. Whitten, lead contractor F. R. Soar & Son, landscaper Hubert Norwood and leasing agent Willis T. Snow of the Jackson Company.
Erected 2012 by the Jefferson County Historical Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.
Location. 33° 28.744′ N, 86° 46.194′ W. Marker is in Mountain Brook, Alabama
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Early Mountain Brook Village Area (approx. 0.4 miles away); Union Hill Cemetery, Union Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, Union Hill School (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Union Hill Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Robert Jemison, Jr. (1878-1974) / The Old Mill (1927) (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lane Park (approx. 0.9 miles away); Hollywood / Hollywood Town Hall / Hollywood Country Club (approx. 0.9 miles away); Shades Valley High School (approx. 0.9 miles away); Canterbury United Methodist Church (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mountain Brook.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 7, 2015
2. America's First Office Park Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 7, 2015
3. Looking towards entrance to Office Park Circle.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 7, 2015
4. Some of the office park buildings.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 7, 2015
5. More of original office buildings.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,731 times since then and 139 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 17, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 14, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
