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Monday, July 13, 2009

Some History of the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

The Rotunda building was constructed between 1904 and 1908 at a cost of over 1.5 million dollars. 9000 tons of Georgia granite were used. When it opened as the Girard Trust in 1908, it was the largest dome in the western hemisphere, at over 100 feet in diameter. The oculas is 142 feet from the floor, the same as the Pantheon in Rome, which it was modeled after.

The first 8 floors of the tower were constructed in 1923. The remaining 22 stories were added in 1930 and 31. The tower has a steel skeleton and marble facade and stands over 375 feet tall.

The buildings became the Girard Corn Exchange in 1951, Girard Bank in 1970, Mellon Bank in 1984, and was painstakingly restored and converted into the Ritz-Carlton in 2000.

Last week, when I posted about our Philadelphia weekend, I promised to show more pictures of the inside and outside of the Philadelphia Ritz-Carlton. So today, I'm showing some pictures of the outside with some description and history, leaving the lobby photos for a future post.


To see all of the other That's My World Tuesday posts please click here.




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32 comments:

  1. crocrodylJuly 13, 2009 at 2:41 PM

    Wonderful shots! I like your captures!

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  2. AnonymousJuly 13, 2009 at 2:50 PM

    love these captures james. beautiful. and of course i found the part about it being modeled after the pantheon quite interesting. the pantheon is one of my fav structures in the world...it has this feeling like no other when you enter it :)
    thanks for stopping by.
    have a wonderful evening.

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  3. AnonymousJuly 13, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    Yet again, wonderful pictures and information. I had to google oculas but I learned something new today. Excellent. It's just beautiful. I so love the 3rd picture. The hustle and bustle and the beauty of that building right in the middle. :)

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  4. AnonymousJuly 13, 2009 at 3:39 PM

    Another great post. Another cybertour experience for me. Thanks.

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  5. Martha ZJuly 13, 2009 at 3:45 PM

    Very interestin, I look forward to seeing the lobby.

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  6. Sylvia KJuly 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM

    I, too, look forward to my cybertours, and this one is terrific, James! Marvelous photos and what a fascinating history! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. MarthaJuly 13, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    It is a beautiful building. Thanks for the continued history lesson of Philly!

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  8. JanieJuly 13, 2009 at 5:13 PM

    Interesting history and photos of the building.

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  9. Yogi♪♪♪July 13, 2009 at 6:16 PM

    What a treat. I just love buildings. Especially those that are unique and beautiful that have been refurbished and repurposed.

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  10. kayerjJuly 13, 2009 at 6:29 PM

    nice job

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  11. BogeyJuly 13, 2009 at 7:18 PM

    You live in such a historic part of your country. I am so glad we have you as a picture perfect tour guide. Can't wait to see the inside. Keep on snappin' James!

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  12. Elisabeth's bright sideJuly 13, 2009 at 8:03 PM

    I enjoyed your tour, great shots of majestic buildings!

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  13. Sally in WAJuly 13, 2009 at 8:17 PM

    Thanks for the tour of the exterior! That's a mighty impressive place. I'm looking forward to the interior shots.

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  14. IreneJuly 13, 2009 at 8:19 PM

    Beautiful tour of your city James. Makes me wanna visit someday..

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  15. EbieJuly 13, 2009 at 9:28 PM

    Hi James, no matter how much renovation they have made, it has kept its original charm. Very informative.

    I am glad you enjoy my post here

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  16. MaritesJuly 13, 2009 at 10:09 PM

    the building has an old world charm and it's good to know that inspite of all the renovation, it was retained. Really informative post.

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  17. UnknownJuly 13, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    Looks great,beautiful cityscape which you have captured beautifully:)
    Have a nice day.

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  18. SandyCarlsonJuly 13, 2009 at 10:37 PM

    I love that such a marvel sits so modestly in downtown Philly.

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  19. IndraniJuly 14, 2009 at 2:57 AM

    This has been a great tour James.
    Lovely shots giving a feel of the life there. :)

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  20. IceJuly 14, 2009 at 3:05 AM

    Philadelphia looks very clean. The last picture looks rather like Sydney :o) Though the buildings here are not as huge as those in the US.

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  21. AnonymousJuly 14, 2009 at 3:11 AM

    Great shots! The Rotunda looks so regal and round. I like the juxtaposition with the modern skyscraper too.

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  22. KcalpeshJuly 14, 2009 at 6:01 AM

    Loved to see these structures as captured by you... nice shots!

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  23. pennyJuly 14, 2009 at 6:39 AM

    James, Your photos are incredibly well done. This is a wonderful account of the long and amazing history of this historic building. It is a testament to the capabilities of all who were involved in the original building and the subsequent renovations. I can't wait to see the inside of the dome.

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  24. Vicki ~ FLJuly 14, 2009 at 8:00 AM

    A very charming city and beautiful rotunda. I've never been up in the NE but Philly looks as busy at NYC!

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  25. ArijaJuly 14, 2009 at 8:37 AM

    I've never seen Philadelphia before. You show it off so well that I would like to visit someday.

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  26. SnapJuly 14, 2009 at 9:23 AM

    Wonderful post. I love that old buildings are being *rejuvenated* rather than knocked down. Thanks!

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  27. LewJuly 14, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    Great shots and interesting history of the buildings! And nice that the owners have maintained them.

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  28. Larry DJuly 14, 2009 at 10:30 AM

    Great post and photos!

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  29. RajeshJuly 14, 2009 at 11:42 AM

    Fantastic captures. It is amazing to see how this old beautiful building is still standing tall in this modern world.

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  30. LoisJuly 14, 2009 at 2:11 PM

    It looks very grand! I see some of the rooms have balconies maybe? Great pictures James!

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  31. DeniseinVAJuly 14, 2009 at 3:33 PM

    First class photos of Philadelphia. Beautiful city!

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  32. UnknownJuly 14, 2009 at 5:30 PM

    I can't wait to see the lobby : )

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