Item Info
Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Print and Picture Collection
Notes:
Located in Box: Allens Lane Art Center - Arcade Folder: Apartment Houses
Photograph taken in 1930 by official photographer from the Department of Public works. Gift of John J. L. Houston, Esq., May 1932.
"The Drake Hotel at 1512-1514 Spruce Street was built in 1929 at the very end of the 1920's building boom in Philadelphia. The architects were Ritter & Shay, who designed this romantic art deco/Spanish Baroque skyscraper. The 30-story Drake Hotel was one of the city's largest buildings when it was constructed. The brick-clad art deco building incorporates Spanish Baroque ornamentation, accented with sculpted terra-cotta decoration. Its strong silhouette with open terraces overlooking the city gives the building its distinctive profile and creates a unique appearance against the skyline. Originally built with 753 rooms for use as apartments and hotel lodging, this long narrow building has recently been renovated exclusively as apartments."[1]
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 1977 and 1995.
Reference:
[1] Skaler, R. M., & Keels, T. H. (2008). Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square. Arcadia Publishing. (p. 93).
Bibliography:
Skaler, R. M., & Keels, T. H. (2008). Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square. Arcadia Publishing. (p. 93).
Creation Year: 1930
Creator Name: Philadelphia (Pa.). Department of Public Works - Photographer
Ritter & Shay, active 1920-c.1936 - Architect