Hale (Lucas) Building – Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This fabulous Victorian edifice was built in 1883 by Willis Gaylord Hale, one of the finest architects in Philadelphia in the late 19th century. Hale’s flamboyant, highly-ornate style was popular in the 1880’s and 1890’s, but quickly fell out of fashion in the 20th century.

Hale designed numerous ornate office buildings in Center City Philadelphia, but few survive unaltered. He built his own office building at the southwest corner of Chestnut and Juniper Streets (expanded in 1887; altered in 1892). It was an unsuccessful investment that almost bankrupted him. It is perhaps the most bizarre-looking skyscraper of the nineteenth century. The critic for the magazine Architectural Record declared it an "architectural aberration" and a "restless jumble."

I couldn't disagree more strongly! Thankfully, the discount clothing store that currently occupies the street level of this wonderful building is closing. Perhaps there is some truth to the rumour that the Hale Building will be restored to its former glory. According to Plan Philly it’s scheduled to become a boutique hotel.