A.J. Holman and Company building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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A.J. Holman and Company
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(May 2017)
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1222-26 Arch St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1881 |
| Architect | Wilson Brothers |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003544 |
| Added to NRHP | May 17, 1984 |
The A.J. Holman and Company building is a historic five-story building located in Center City, Philadelphia. It stands at 1222-26 Arch Street, between N. 12th and N. 13th Streets. This important building was constructed in 1881.
Contents
Discovering the Holman Building
This building was designed by a famous architectural firm called Wilson Brothers. They were also the architects behind another well-known Philadelphia landmark, the nearby Reading Terminal. The A.J. Holman and Company building is a great example of architecture from its time.
Why Was It Built?
The A.J. Holman and Company was a business that published Bibles. Andrew J. Holman started the company in 1872. As the company grew bigger and needed more space, they decided to build this new, larger home. This building helped the company continue its work for many years.
What Does It Look Like?
The A.J. Holman and Company building is made of red brick and has five floors. The front of the building, called the facade, has some interesting features. On the first floor, you can see strong cast iron supports. At the very top of the roofline, there's a cool triangular shape called a pediment, with a Gothic arch design.
A Unique Design
This building is special because it's one of the few commercial loft buildings from that time in Philadelphia that hasn't been changed a lot. Many other buildings from the same period have been updated or altered over the years. The Holman building still looks much like it did when it was first built.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its unique architecture and history, the A.J. Holman and Company building was recognized as an important historical site. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This listing helps protect the building and recognize its value to the city's history.
