Growing up, I watched the Independent Life Building rise, floor by floor. It was 1982, and the towering structure became a landmark in my life. By the time I was a D.J. across the river at the River Rally in1985 it became a familiar sight, its illuminated sign a constant on the Jacksonville skyline.
In 1999, the building was renamed Modis. I had just started as a P.A. announcer for the Jaguars home games at Alltel stadium, and this change mirrored my own transition. The new name felt sleek and modern, much like my evolving town.
Years later, in 2011, it became the Wells Fargo Building. By then, I had a family, and my children marveled at it just as I once did every time we crossed the Fuller Warren bridge. Despite its name changes, the building’s essence remained a steady presence in our lives.
This weekend, once again the letters were removed, leaving the facade bare. It felt like the end of an era. I wondered what it would be called next, reflecting the town’s growth and innovation. No matter the name, the building symbolizes my memories and the ever-changing journey of life.
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