Editor’s Note: On Friday, Ben Leech made the case for Philly’s Art Deco architecture, which he said deserves to be called one of the nation’s best, in the same league as Detroit, Los Angeles and New York. Looking at Laura Kicey’s photos of 18 Deco buildings around town, we’re inclined to agree. But please–take a look for yourself.
WCAU Building, 1618 Chestnut Street. Built in 1931
Philadelphia Museum of Art Annex, (Perelman Building), originally the Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Co. building, Fairmount and Pennsylvania Avenues. Built in 1927, Zantzinger, Borie & Medary architect
First National Bank, 1503 Walnut Street. Built in 1928, Ritter & Shay, architects
Suburban Station, 16th and J.F.K. Boulevard. Built in 1930, Stewart Joseph, & Co., Graham, Anderson, Probst & White architects
Former auto dealership, 15th and Fairmount
Sedgewick Theater, 7133-7141 Germantown Avenue. Built in 1928, William H. Lee architect
Project H.O.M.E., 1515 Fairmount Avenue. Originally built for the National Casket Co.
City of Philadelphia Broad Street Subway Substation #7, 400 block of S. Watts Street
Market Street National Bank, 1319 Market Street. Built in 1931, Rittere & Shay, architects
Beury Building/National Bank of North Philadelphia, 3701 N Broad Street. Built in 1926, William H. Lee architect
Sun Oil Building, 1608 Walnut Street. Built in 1928-30, Tilden, Register & Pepper architects
Our Lady of Loreto, 62nd and Grays
1616 Walnut Street. Built in 1929, Tilden, Register and Pepper, architects
1616 Walnut interior. Built in 1929, Tilden, Register & Pepper, architects
WPEN Building, 2212 Walnut Street. Built in 1928, Ralph Bencker and Furness, Evans & Co. architects
1106 Chestnut Street, architect unkown
Ayer Building, 204-212 W. Washington Square. Built in 1927-1929, Ralph Bencker architect.
The Metropolitan, 117 N. 15th St.
Architect’s Building, 17th and Sansom. Built in 1920, Paul Cret architect
Thank you for this excellent gallery and insight into Philly’s great Art Deco gems hiding in plain sight!
Thank you! Being a photo and history enthusiast, I appreciate the time, effort, and insight.
Our examples aren’t as prominent as those in other cities but are Art Deco jewels are true beauties.