Today, it’s mostly law offices, ad agencies, and a few very lucky tenants. But here’s the kicker: there’s a secret garden inside. No, really. The interior courtyard has a beautiful fountain and plants. It’s like someone decided office buildings needed a zen zone.
You can walk through the lobby for free. Do it. It’s the ultimate free museum in Philly. Just don’t touch the mosaic—security will give you that look. You know the one.
The History Bit (But Make It Fun)
Back in the day, this was the headquarters of the Curtis Publishing Company. They printed The Ladies’ Home Journal and The Saturday Evening Post here. For real. Imagine all those editors in bow ties, shuffling papers and arguing about commas.
Then the building got a $100 million renovation in the 1990s. Because obviously. You can’t have a 1910 gem looking shabby. They added a fancy atrium and a Starbucks. Progress, people.
But my favorite part? The basement has a speakeasy from Prohibition. Yes, an actual secret bar. It’s called “The Franklin Bar” now, and you’re supposed to knock on a door to get in.
Cyrus Hermann Kotzschmar Curtis
Do you feel cooler just knowing that? I do. It feels like a movie set where a detective in a trench coat might show up.
