Designed by Max Abramovitz and completed in 1963, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the world's first two-sided building.

[2] The Phoenix Building is located east of the commercial core of downtown Hartford, on a block bounded by Columbus Boulevard and State, Prospect, and Grove Streets.

The main tower is located off-center on the northwest part of the plaza, and is oriented roughly east–west.

[3] The building was designed by the nationally renowned architect Max Abramovitz of Harrison & Abramovitz, whose previous work included coordinating the work on the United Nations headquarters and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center.

The building has been an architectural landmark in the city since its construction, occupying a highly-visible location near the Connecticut River and major highways.