Universal Life Insurance Building

Memphis, United States

Exterior only

Visible from the street; the inside is private.

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The Universal Life Insurance Building stands as a striking example of Egyptian Revival architecture in Memphis, Tennessee. Completed in 1949 by the architectural firm McKissack & McKissack, the office building draws inspiration from ancient Egyptian design, a bold stylistic choice for mid-twentieth-century commercial construction. Built using limestone, concrete, steel, and asphalt concrete, the structure combines durability with distinctive aesthetic ambition. Its presence in Memphis reflects the city's architectural diversity and the significant role of Black-owned businesses in the era. Recognized for its historical importance, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.