Public Moderns
Here are some of the modern spaces in Philadelphia that are open to the public. Some of the interiors can be visited buy appointment.
PSFS Building
1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
Built: 1932 Architect: George Howe & William Lescaze National Historic Landmark
Considered a masterclass in the International Style of architecture and noteable for being the first modern skyscraper in the United States. The former headquarters for the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society is a marvel of modern engineering, notable for introducing central air-conditioning and utilizing high-speed elevators. The bank occupied about a third of the office space with the remaining office space rented by other tenants. Completed during the Great Depression at a cost of $8 million, the building quickly became notable worldwide as a defining example of International Style architecture. Crowning the tower is the iconic PSFS sign, one of the most recognizable features of the Philadelphia skyline.
Today, the building is an excellent example of adaptive reuse as it is now a major city landmark hotel operated by the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. It features meeting and event space as well as dining facilities. The hotel notes that, “when the tower debuted in 1932, its sleek geometric form and innovative design reshaped the Philadelphia skyline and introduced a bold new vision for modern architecture in America,”and “is one of the most distinctive historic hotels in Philadelphia.”
PSFS Building
1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
Built: 1932 Architect: George Howe & William Lescaze National Historic Landmark
Accessibility: Lobby and banquet room (former banking hall) open to the Public
The building is considered a masterclass in the International Style of architecture and notable for being the first modern skyscraper in the United States. The former headquarters for the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society is a marvel of modern engineering, notable for introducing central air-conditioning and utilizing high-speed elevators. The bank occupied about a third of the office space with the remaining office space rented by other tenants. Completed during the Great Depression at a cost of $8 million, the building quickly became notable worldwide as a defining example of International Style architecture. Crowning the tower is the iconic PSFS sign, one of the most recognizable features of the Philadelphia skyline.
Today, the building is an excellent example of adaptive reuse as it is now a major city landmark hotel operated by the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. It features meeting and event space as well as dining facilities. The hotel notes that, “when the tower debuted in 1932, its sleek geometric form and innovative design reshaped the Philadelphia skyline and introduced a bold new vision for modern architecture in America,”and “is one of the most distinctive historic hotels in Philadelphia.”