Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
Historic passenger terminal named ‘coolest building’ in Alabama by Business Insider
Reading time: 3 minutes
Business Insider recently named the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Passenger Terminal in Mobile, Alabama, the coolest building in the state—and it’s easy to see why.
“The Gulf, Mobile, and Ohio Passenger Terminal in Mobile, Alabama, which has Spanish influences with its cream walls and red clay tiles, was designed by P. Thornton Marye. It was constructed in 1907 and has undergone restoration since passenger train service ceased in the 1950s.”
Business Insider
Read on to hear all about what makes this building the coolest in Alabama.
Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Passenger Terminal
Built in 1907 and designed by architect P. Thornton Marye, the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio (GM&O) Passenger Terminal once served as a major hub for travelers heading in and out of the Port City.
Although passenger service ended in the 1950s, the building has since been beautifully restored, keeping its historic character intact while giving new life to one of Alabama’s most iconic landmarks.
When the terminal first opened its doors, it represented progress and pride for Mobile. With its Spanish Mission Revival style, sweeping arches, and warm tones, it stood out from the industrial look of most train stations of the time. The design was heavily influenced by Marye’s travels during the Spanish-American War, where he admired the colonial architecture of Cuba.
For decades, the terminal served as the bustling gateway to the Gulf. Though trains no longer roll through its tracks, its elegant design has stood the test of time—earning it a place among the coolest buildings in Alabama today.
P. Thornton Marye, the architect behind the GM&O terminal
P. Thornton Marye wasn’t just responsible for the GM&O Terminal—he also designed other Southern landmarks, including the Birmingham Terminal Station, once described as “the most extensive of the stations so far built in the South.” While Birmingham’s station was sadly demolished in 1969, Marye’s Mobile terminal remains, offering a glimpse into his architectural brilliance and appreciation for historic detail.
Today, the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Passenger Terminal continues to turn heads—proving that great design never goes out of style.
You can read Business Insider’s full list of the coolest buildings in every state here.
What is your favorite example of Marye’s work in Alabama? Tag us @thebamabuzz to let us know!
