William Penn Annex West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

PSFS Building

Photographed By Amy Wilson, June 16, 2008

1. PSFS Building Marker

Inscription. The Philadelphia Saving Fund Society Building is regarded as the first International Style skyscraper built in the U.S. Completed in 1932, it was a radical departure from traditional bank architecture, exploiting the latest technological and structural advances.

Erected 2005 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 39° 57.12′ N, 75° 9.622′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex West. Marker is on Market Street near North 12th Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19107, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 13th & Market (a few steps from this marker); Ricketts' Circus (within shouting distance of this marker); Reading Terminal and Market (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Buried at St. John the Evangelist's Parish Cemetery (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named 13th & Market

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(about 400 feet away); St. John's Historic Graveyard & Tableau (about 400 feet away); The Honorable Charles I. Brown (about 400 feet away); St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . .
1. PSFS Building. (Submitted on June 30, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
2. PSFS Building - Behind the Marker. ExplorePAHistory.com (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Additional commentary.
1. The PSFS Building:
The PSFS Building was built for the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society. It was completed in 1932, and was considered to be one of the most important skyscrapers built in the country in the first half of the 20th century. It was called the United States' first modern skyscraper, and it was the world's first skyscraper built in the International Style. It was designed by architects William Lescaze of Switzerland and George Howe of Philadelphia. Their design was a departure from traditional bank and Philadelphia architecture, lacking features such as domes and ornamentation.

PSFS Building Marker Facing 12th Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith S Smith, January 21, 2012

2. PSFS Building Marker Facing 12th Street

In front of the Lowes Hotel

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 skyscraper is topped by a red neon sign with the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society's initials (PSFS) on it. The sign has become a Philadelphia icon, and can be seen up to 20 miles away.

— Submitted January 22, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

PSFS Building c. 1985 image. Click for full size.

From the Public Domain

3. PSFS Building c. 1985

PSFS Building c. 1940 image. Click for full size.

From the Public Domain

4. PSFS Building c. 1940

PSFS Building c. 1999 image. Click for full size.

From Skyline Photos (Public Domain)

5. PSFS Building c. 1999

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,506 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 30, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 22, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.