The Story behind the Round White Building in Philadelphia

By Madelyn Miller, the Travellady

Thousands of people drive by this distinctive building everyday, because it is conveniently located on the Ben Franklin Parkway. But not many of them are aware of the interesting history of the building.

Everyone in Phily knows the "round white" building which is featured on hundreds of postcards of the city. Originally designed as the Plaza Apartments, the building was home to such luminaries as Will Chamberlain and Olympic rower Jack Kelly whose frequent visitor was his sister, Grace Kelly.

But it will always be important to me as the place where I stayed on my first visit to my first grandchild. Of course I chose an elegant place worthy of my new prince, Hudson Miller.

The original design for the hotel was created in 1964-1966 by the Philadelphia architect, Oskar Stonorov, who together with Louis I. Kahn, spearheaded the "Philadelphia School of Architecture" also known as International Style.

Having undergone uncompleted renovations during the 70's and 80's, the building was finally restored to Stonorov's original vision in 1993.

The removal of an added "skirt" to the building unveiled bronze sculptural lanterns that were cast in Italy by Florentine sculptor Jorio Vivarella. These forgotten works of art which had been spray painted and then covered have also been restored to their original beauty and luster.

Stonorov and Vivarelli collaborated on the Tuscan Girl Fountain, the 26-foot high fountain, reflecting pool and sculpture adjoining the building. It holds the distinction of having been called in the New York Times, "the worst single sculpture of the twentieth century."

Stonorov himself said the sculpture portrayed " the exuberance of youth frolicking in the waterfall."

The neighborhood itself has a rich history. Until 1923, the site that is now Logan Square was home to a gallows for public executions.

Just outside the hotel entrance is the Swann Memorial Fountain, also known as the Fountain of Three Rivers.

The sculpture was unveiled at a public celebration in July of 1924 and it is said that ten thousand people danced in the streets. The three bronze Native American figures in the fountain sculptured by Philadelphian Alexander Stirling Calder represent the 3 major waterways in Philadelphia—the Wissahickon, the Schuykill, and the Delaware.

I was proud to stay there for such an important event in my life.

And it is nice to know that in addition to all this great historical ambiance, you also get a free breakfast at Friday's every morning.

Embassy Suites Philadelphia - Center City
1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

FOR MORE INFORMATION

visit www.gophila.com and check out the blog www.uwishunu.com
Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center (800) 537-7676.

GREAT SAVINGS
www.citypass.com

WHERE TO EAT
Philly Falafel Vegetarian
1740 Sansom Street
215-569-8999
Each very reasonably priced entrée allows the diner unlimited trips to the fresh flavorful salad bar with fried cauliflower, minted carrots, coleslaw, beets, pickles, and much more.
(and dining here will absolve you of any guilt for indulging in a decadent chocolate dessert at the nearby places suggested below.)

BEST DESSERTS
Naked Chocolate Café
1317 Walnut Street
Philadelphia. PA 19107
www.nakedchocolatecafe.com
215-735-7310
Open Monday to Thursday 10AM-11PM
Friday and Saturday 10AM to 11:30PM
Sunday 11 AM to 9PM

Maron Chocolates
1734 Chestnut Street
215-988-9992
www.maronchocolates.com

BEST PLACE TO GET CONNECTED
Ing Direct does more than just save you money. It gives you a free wireless internet connection. They even have about a dozen computers you can use for free to surf if you are in the neighborhood without your computer.
1636 Walnut Street

FAVORITE STORES
P.H.A.G
Philadelphia Home Art Garden
1225 Walnut Street
215-627-0461
www.thephagshop.com

Show of Hands
a collection of crafts
1006 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-592-4010
Showofhandsphila@aol.com

GREAT GUIDEBOOKS
ACCESS PHILADELPHIA
By Beth D'Addono
Harper Resource
www.harpercollins.com

THE THIRTEEN COLONIES
Travel Historic America
Fodor's
www.fodors.com