The Gilded Mall Of Market Street: Gimbels Had It
Where the great Gimbels department store once stood a parking lot sits today. With the recent rejection of a casino license for the site, it looks like it may stay that way for now. Shadowbat has the story behind this long gone, cherished Philadelphia institution and the development black hole that is left in its place at 8th and Market > more
Tis The Season—For Wanamaker’s
After years of change distorted and threatened the department store John Wanamaker perfected more than a century ago, Macy's has stabilized the store, preserving not only its success, but some of the landmarks that make it a Philadelphia legend—especially this time of year. Shadowbat traces the history of Center City's Wanamaker Building > more
Tracing The ‘Chinese Wall’ In Center City
Center City's highrise corridor is, relative to Philadelphia's 17th century origins, very young. Shadowbat turns back pages and goes underground to find the Pennsylvania Railroad's "Chinese Wall" foundations between Broad Street and 30th Street Station > more
At Broad & Arch, Views From A Still Forgotten Tower
The 1929 Liberty Title & Trust tower--the only building on the block not to succumb to the wrecking ball--seems like a certain future hotel. But a year and a half after the opening of the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center, it remains empty > more
"Pantyhose Factory" School In Danger And On The Block
What to do with Apex Hosiery, at Fifth and Master, the site of aggressive anti-unionism, a violent strike--and much later a protest against the School District for running a makeshift school inside? With calls for its demolition this explosive corner remains in danger. Shadowbat has the full history and great photographs with insight on the building's condition > more
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