Flick Fact: Most buildings avoid floor number 13, but State Farm instead embraced it?
Question: Many hotels, skyscrapers and other high-rise buildings skip a 13th floor because of superstition. But one of Central Illinois' best-known buildings never did. Do you know which one?
Answer: State Farm's original corporate headquarters in downtown Bloomington - now being transformed into "G.J. Lofts" with 183 apartments, a Starbucks and food hall - proudly stood 13 stories tall and didn't avoid it. In fact, according to one longtime State Farm legend, founder G.J. Mecherle considered the number lucky because his secretary - and eventual second wife - Sylvia Caldwell Mecherle survived the sinking of the Titanic after boarding Lifeboat No. 13.
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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 9:57 PM.