Centennial National Bank
- Architect
- Frank Furness
- Style
- Gothic Revival
- City
- Philadelphia, PA
- Collections
- furness's gilded cityvictorian philadelphia
The Centennial National Bank was built in 1876 in Fairmount as the headquarters of the bank that served as fiscal agent for the Centennial Exposition, obtaining a monopoly on handling the fair's ticket receipts and currency exchanges. Frank Furness, who had just split from partner George Hewitt, landed the commission through personal connections with the bank's directors, and the building is considered significant to his artistic development. Drexel University bought it around 1976 and now uses it as an alumni center after a 2000-2002 renovation.
the building
Furness's early style. Designed just after Furness split with business partner George Hewitt, the bank is considered significant to his artistic development as an architect who would go on to become one of Philadelphia's most distinctive designers.
Centennial ties. The bank opened in January 1876 and held a monopoly on handling ticket receipts and currency exchanges for the Centennial Exposition, which opened that Fourth of July to mark the 100th anniversary of American independence.
the style
Built in the Gothic Revival style, the bank has been called one of the best pieces of architecture in West Philadelphia. It reflects Furness's early command of the idiom before he developed the bolder, more idiosyncratic manner he became known for.
More on Gothic Revivalthe architect
Frank Furness was a Philadelphia architect who received this commission through personal connections with the bank's directors shortly after parting ways with his longtime partner George Hewitt. The bank is considered an important early work in his artistic development, coming before the more flamboyant style that would define his later career.
significance
The Centennial National Bank was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. A branch of First Pennsylvania Bank occupied the building from 1956 until Drexel University purchased it around 1976; Drexel renovated the building between 2000 and 2002 and now operates it as an alumni center.
nearby
- Pennsylvania Railroad Office Building
- Hajoca Corporation Headquarters and Showroom
- 32nd St. and Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia Armory
- United States Post Office-Main Branch
- Cira Centre
- Fisher Fine Arts Library