General Electric Switchgear Plant, Industrial building in Callowhill, Philadelphia, US.
The General Electric Switchgear Plant is a seven-story reinforced concrete building with brick facing located on North 7th Street in Callowhill. The structure displays a regular facade with large windows typical of early industrial manufacturing facilities.
Built in 1916 by William Steele & Company, the facility originally produced electrical switchboard equipment for General Electric and received historic designation in 1985. This recognition acknowledged the site's role in the city's industrial manufacturing heritage.
The building now houses Franklin Music Hall, transforming a portion of the former factory into a live music venue that serves the Philadelphia music community.
The site sits at the intersection of North 7th Street and Willow Street in the Callowhill neighborhood, easily accessible from downtown. Since the building now functions as an entertainment venue, check current programming to learn about access and visiting options.
The building showcases an interesting case of adaptive reuse, where the robust concrete structure and brick architecture of a factory proved ideal for conversion into a music venue. The large windows and open interior spaces, originally designed for industrial production, now support the acoustic and spatial needs of a modern concert hall.
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