Witherspoon Building, Presbyterian office building in Market East, Philadelphia, United States
The Witherspoon Building is a Presbyterian office building in the Market East neighborhood of Philadelphia that rises 11 stories in an E-shaped layout. Brick and granite form the exterior walls, accented throughout with decorative terra cotta details that give the building a layered, textured appearance.
Designed by Joseph M. Huston in 1896, this building served the Presbyterian Board of Publications and Sabbath School Work, taking its name from John Witherspoon, a former president of Princeton University. It functioned as the headquarters for the denomination's publishing and educational operations.
Inside and around the building, you will notice sculptures and medallions honoring Presbyterian leaders and affiliated church organizations, reflecting what the institution stood for when it was built.
The building sits in downtown Philadelphia and is easily accessible by public transportation, making it convenient to walk by and view the exterior and architectural details. Since this is an active or protected structure, check ahead about interior access and maintain respectful distance while examining the facade from the street.
The original sculptures created by artist Alexander Stirling Calder depicting six important Presbyterian figures were moved to the Presbyterian Historical Society courtyard in 1961 for preservation. This relocation protected these valuable artworks from weathering and deterioration in the urban environment.
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