Sunday, July 22, 2012

Mayo Clinic Campus - The Plummer Building


Amid the modern clinic buildings stands one of the original Mayo structures, the Plummer Building. When it was completed, it was the tallest building in Minnesota thanks to additional feet that had to be added to accommodate the bells of the magnificent carillon.


The main entry is flanked by these bronze doors featuring designs from medicine and mythology.



Above the door, more designs of mythical and allegorical themes.


And carved into the first two stories of the limestone are other designs related to medicine, America, Minnesota and Rochester. These are just a few of the many adorning the outside of the building. The one on the top right is of Dr. Plummer himself, who designed the building and was responsible for many of the innovations that made the model of group medical practice possible, including:
  • Multiple light systems
  • Telephone communications
  • In-house telegraphy
  • Cross-indexed patient records
  • A power plant
  • Subways
  • Pneumatic tube delivery system



I never cease to be amazed at the detail architects included on the outside of these buildings. This is one photogenic building. Click on any picture for a larger view.








  

1 comment:

June said...

Thanks for the tour, Sheila. You and Judi remain in my thoughts. Sending all the good vibes I have your direction.