PSFS Building

About

The PSFS Building, also known as the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, is a skyscraper in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building, the first International Style skyscraper constructed in the United States, was designed by architects William Lescaze and George Howe, was built for the Philadelphia Saving (later Savings) Fund Society. The skyscraper's design was a departure from traditional bank and Philadelphia architecture, lacking features such as domes and ornamentation. Combining Lescaze's experience with European modernism, Howe's Beaux-Arts background and the desire of Society President James M. Wilcox for a forward-thinking, tall building the skyscraper incorporated the main characteristics of International style architecture. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark.

Called the United States' first modern skyscraper, and one of the most important skyscrapers built in the country in the first half of the 20th century, the building featured an innovative and effective design of a T-shaped tower that allowed the maximum amount of natural light and rentable space. The Philadelphia Saving Fund Society's offices and banking hall featured custom-designed furniture, including custom Cartier clocks on every floor. The top of the skyscraper featured the bank's boardroom. The building was the second high-rise in the U.S. to be equipped with air conditioning. The skyscraper is topped by a red neon sign with the PSFS initials. Visible for 20 miles (32 km), the sign has become a Philadelphia icon.

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