On a bustling corner of Philadelphia, a striking brick and limestone edifice commands attention. This is the Beasley Building, a place whose walls echo with tales of faith, commerce, and revelry. The Beasley Building at 12th and Walnut Streets possesses a unique Gothic appeal, distinguished by its steep gables and cathedral-like presence. This isn’t accidental. The Beasley Building’s story begins much earlier than its 1894 datestone suggests.
In 1829, this very spot housed the Tenth Presbyterian Church. The church thrived for decades, even establishing a “daughter church” at 17th and Spruce in 1855. The two congregations shared a close bond, even exchanging ministers bi-weekly. However, by 1893, dwindling membership forced the two churches to merge and relocate to the Spruce Street location. The original structure at 12th and Walnut was demolished. The current Beasley Building, formerly the Episcopal Church House, rose in its place in 1894.
The Episcopalians occupied the building until 1921, when they sold it to the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber held onto the property for 25 years, seemingly neglecting its upkeep, before selling it to Jefferson Medical College in 1946. By 1971, the Beasley Building had fallen into disrepair. Jefferson Medical College sold the building to Pierre Uniforms in 1975. This marked the beginning of the building’s most notorious era.
The former Episcopal chapel transformed into the Second Story disco, a popular gay nightclub that later became a mainstream hotspot. The basement housed the Catacombs, a gay juice bar described as “eerily reminiscent of the ‘Milk Bar’ in A Clockwork Orange.” The party ended in 1986 when Jim Beasley, founder of the Beasley Firm and “an Episcopalian by birth,” purchased the building. He successfully argued in court that the tenants were using the former Church House improperly. He then dedicated $5 million to restoring the building.
The Beasley Firm’s restoration efforts earned a Historic Preservation Commendation. The building’s transformation from church to nightclub to law office showcases its resilience and adaptability. The five-story back wall features a mural by Michael Webb, commissioned in 1996. This mural depicts foundry workers casting iconic Philadelphian sculptures, seamlessly integrating the building’s artistic presence into the city’s vibrant arts scene. The Beasley Building stands as a testament to Philadelphia’s rich history, its walls echoing the diverse stories that have shaped its identity.