A Gothic Revival beauty stands before us. This is the Wesley Building. It’s also known as the Robert Morris Hotel. Let’s delve into its history.
The Wesley Building was built in 1914 and 1915. An addition followed in 1921 and 1922. The Board of Home Missions of the United Methodist Church commissioned it. They wanted offices and a hotel for the Methodist Church.
Ballinger & Perot designed the Wesley Building. The architectural style is Gothic Revival. Intricate terra cotta details enhance its beauty. The cornice of the original six-story Wesley Building is still visible above the sixth floor.
Philadelphia played a key role in the Methodist Church. Its activities centered here starting in the eighteenth century. George Whitefield led successful missions to the city. The Wesley Building reminds us of this history. It originally included the Wesley Building. It was later expanded to include the Robert Morris Hotel. Also the Philadelphia Tract Society Methodist Church Building.
The Wesley Building got its name from John Wesley. He was the founder of Methodism. The Wesley Building served as the church’s administrative hub. It was also the publishing center for its organizations. These included the Board of Home Missions and the Philadelphia Tract Society.
The Robert Morris Hotel addition offered modest lodging. Visiting Methodists and the public could stay here. The hotel followed Methodist rules. Guests could not sell or possess liquor.
Even though the hotel was named after Robert Morris, there is no direct connection between him and the Methodist Church.
Standing across from the Comcast Center, the Wesley Building has seen changes. In 2012, it became The Arch Luxury Apartments. It now houses 111 rental units.
The Wesley Building gained recognition in 1984. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
George Whitefield influenced early Methodism. He preached extensively in Britain and North America. It is believed that Whitfield preached to crowds more than 15,000 times. He developed a friendship with Ben Franklin. Franklin published some of Whitefield’s materials. They even created a boys’ orphanage together. It was named the Charity School.
Steel-frame construction was used to build Wesley Building. This construction was increasingly common at that time.
The Wesley Building stands as a testament to faith. It also reflects architectural trends. From its Methodist beginnings to its modern apartments, the Wesley Building continues to be a landmark. It enriches Philadelphia’s Logan Square neighborhood.