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All About Philly's Featured Building The National Showroom.
The remaining chrome letters above one door reads
"_INCE _929." The National Building is a neglected monument to the
sleek modern style of the mid-to late 20th Century as well as a
great Philadelphia business that made this modern-o style their
specialty.
It is a white elephant, or more accurately an orange
one. The unique orange facade with stunning chrome letters spans
nearly the entire block of 3rd Street in Old City. The food service
supply district has all but disapeared in Old City and has been
replaced with upscale resturants, shops and apartments. The National
Showroom is now an anomolie, having outlasted its purpose it is
vacant and in danger of destruction.
Designed by
Israel Demchick who probably worked with theatre architect David
Supowitz. This a prime example of their work and should be preserved.
Demchick studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania and
graduated in 1915.
For more history on the National read
this City Paper article from September 1999.
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