Architecture Philadelphia

christ church - example of georgian architecture

philadelphia s architectural history dates colonial times , includes wide range of styles. earliest structures constructed logs, brick structures common 1700. during 18th century, cityscape dominated georgian architecture, including independence hall , christ church.

in first decades of 19th century, federal , greek revival architecture dominant styles produced philadelphia architects such benjamin latrobe, william strickland, john haviland, john notman, thomas walter, , samuel sloan. frank furness considered philadelphia s greatest architect of second half of 19th century. contemporaries included john mcarthur jr., addison hutton, wilson eyre, wilson brothers, , horace trumbauer. in 1871, construction began on second empire-style philadelphia city hall. philadelphia historical commission created in 1955 preserve cultural , architectural history of city. commission maintains philadelphia register of historic places, adding historic buildings, structures, sites, objects , districts sees fit.

in 1932, philadelphia became home first modern international style skyscraper in united states, psfs building, designed george howe , william lescaze. 548 ft (167 m) city hall remained tallest building in city until 1987 when 1 liberty place completed. numerous glass , granite skyscrapers built in center city beginning in late 1980s. in 2007, comcast center surpassed 1 liberty place become city s tallest building. comcast technology center under construction in center city expected completion in 2018. new tower reach height of 1,121 ft (342 m), , tallest building in united states outside of manhattan , chicago.

for of philadelphia s history, typical home has been row house. row house introduced united states via philadelphia in 19th century and, time, row houses built elsewhere in united states known philadelphia rows . variety of row houses found throughout city, federal-style continuous blocks in old city , society hill victorian-style homes in north philadelphia twin row houses in west philadelphia. while newer homes have been built recently, of housing dates 18th, 19th , 20th centuries, has created problems such urban decay , vacant lots. neighborhoods, including northern liberties , society hill, have been rehabilitated through gentrification.