While Philadelphia did not build massive art deco skyscrapers in the 1920s, there still were buildings that were constructed with fantastic designs in Center City such as The Drake at 1512 Spruce Street. The tower rises 33 floors above ground and stands at an impressive height of 375 feet. The tower was designed by Verus Shay and Howell Lewis Shay of the architectural firm Ritter and Shay, who have designed a building with such an incredible design with a wide profile when viewed from the east and west. The north and south profile is incredibly thin, with brickwork running up to the angled and curved tops of the Art Deco and Spanish Baroque design. The structure was constructed by Murphy, Quigley Company and was completed in 1929.
The Drake’s prior design. Image via Ritter and Shay
When the tower was completed, it amazed the public mind as such a skyscraper was constructed just after the Great Depression and stood as one of the tallest buildings in the city. The Drake dramatically stood out since it was separated from City Hall and the cluster of buildings along Broad Street, along with its eye-catching shades of orange and cladding in stone and terracotta.
Philadelphia 1931 aerial. Photo via Old Images of Philadelphia on Facebook
The skyscraper still stands out on the skyline despite the more massive structures that have risen over time, which include the 542-foot Arthaus condominium under construction at 311 South Broad Street and taller structures such as Liberty Place. The Drake mostly stands out from views from the south and still fits in very well with the growing skyline.
The Drake and One Liberty Place. Photo by Thomas Koloski
The Drake. Photo by Thomas Koloski
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Directly behind the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, this tower is such a classic iconic historical Philadelphia landmark.
😉
One South Broad, Market East National Bank, the Lewis Tower, and 1616 Walnut are all massive Art Deco skyscrapers built in Philadelphia in the 1920s. Sure, they’re not as tall as the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and RCA Building, but those towers were unique in the 1920s because of Manhattan’s uniquely difficult geography, kind of like how the PSFS Building was also unique in the 1920s (although while that massive building isn’t considered Art Deco, it does have some Art Deco features).
The Manhattan Municipal Building almost resembles the iconic Drake building in Center City. 😉
I have always found the Drake both intriguing and attractive. I would love to have a look on the inside, particularly the ground level and one of the rooms on the upper floors
Is the Drake still a hotel or has it morphed into apartments or condos?
The Drake Tower is an apartment building.
You can take a virtual tour if you like.
Hardwood floors. Lots of windows.
I didn’t see any laundry facilities.
draketower.com
Oh wow, thanks, the video tours are very cool. That unit #2901? That’s living!
I really like the kitchen.
Were the balconies on West side added later?
Nope, they were always there! The 26th floor used to have decorative beams on the east and west faces, but they were removed during the condo conversion in the late 90’s. That’s a noticable change, along with replaced windows
What was the name of the restaurant off the lobby in the 1960s & 1970s?