Philadelphia Architectural Style Hike 6 of 6: Beaux-Arts Buildings

3-4 hours; 4-5 miles; brisk pace between stops; best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in Philadelphia's Center City and Rittenhouse neighborhoods; possibility of late lunch afterward if there's interest.

When someone says they don't like fancy architecture, they're probably thinking of Beaux-Arts. Well, they're wrong. The Beaux-Arts style can be overwhelming, but when it is executed well, the result is breathtaking. Beaux-Arts buildings came to prominence in Philadelphia between about 1890 to 1930. By the end of the period, the city was home to a few dozen excellent examples of the Beaux-Arts style. We're going to visit as many of these as we can in a few hours.

Our first stop will be the Lafayette Building, a beautiful building that is often overlooked because it's catty-corner from Independence Hall. Then we'll head west down Chestnut Street and through the heart of Rittenhouse Square to check out a series of exquisite Beaux-Arts offices, apartment buildings, and private homes. Finally we'll hike toward Chinatown to admire a building that incorporates a "Drive In" entrance on one side and a "Drive Out" exit on the other side. You won't believe how narrow the cars and carriages had to be to fit through!

If you haven't been on previous architecture style hikes with us, I guarantee you'll see Philadelphia from a new perspective. For those who have joined previous hikes, this hike features ALL NEW buildings that we haven't visited previously. Everyone is welcome!

As always, we will move quickly between buildings, but we'll also stop for enough time at each one to enjoy and discuss the wonderful craftsmanship. No knowledge of architecture is needed . . . just an interest in seeing beautiful places and a willingness to stay with the group.

GENERAL RULES: ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx: allow 30 min - 1 hr extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. ••For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2025), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (2152474459) or at mrbasketball.net/HIKEpay.html. Thanks.
Yearly donation $15 July-Aug; $10 Sept-Nov; Dec new year.