Philadelphia Architectural Style Hike 7 of 7: Best of Exotic Styles

2.5-3.5 hours; 3.5-4.5 miles; brisk pace between stops; best examples of exotic architectural styles found in Philadelphia's Center City, Spring Garden, and Chinatown neighborhoods; possibility of lunch afterward if there's interest.

We'll wrap up this cycle of hikes by visiting some fabulous "exotics." These are buildings in architectural styles for which Philadelphia has fewer examples, at least compared to the styles highlighted in earlier hikes in the series. From our meeting point we'll head over to the Victory Building, a brilliant example of an architectural style (Second Empire) that is more commonly associated with Paris. Then we will work our way around Center City to check out an Arts and Crafts treasure and a Gothic apartment building (it makes no sense until you see it!). Then we'll hike up to the Spring Garden neighborhood to see architectural styles that are usually associated with Chicago and Istanbul. Finally we'll head into Chinatown to view some beautiful Chinese Imperial and Chinese Revival buildings.

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 several new buildings. All are 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 30min -1hr 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.