Graffiti-marked eyesore no more. Here stands the Beury Building. It is a testament to Philadelphia’s resilience. Completed in 1933, the Beury Building first housed the National Bank of North Philadelphia. Dr. Charles E. Beury led the bank. Architect William Harold Lee designed it. The Beury Building is the only Art Deco building outside downtown Philadelphia.
But what makes the Beury Building so special? It’s not just its architecture. It’s the story of rebirth and community. For decades, the Beury Building faced disinvestment and neglect. It became a canvas for graffiti artists. Boner and Forever marked it with their tags. It was even known as the Boner Forever building.
Shift Capital bought the Beury Building in 2012. They envisioned a revitalized community cornerstone. The Beury Building is now the Hotel Beury. It boasts 172 guest rooms. There is a ground-floor restaurant. A rooftop bar offers stunning views. A fitness center and meeting spaces are also available.
The Hotel Beury anchors the redevelopment of North Broad Street Corridor. This is a key area in Philadelphia’s 2035 master plan. The Hotel Beury supports Temple University visitors. It also serves Temple’s Medical Campus and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
But the Beury Building’s story is not without its challenges. In fact, in recent times, a key lender withdrew funding. This forced the pause button on construction. But Shift Capital remains committed. They are actively seeking new funding to complete the project.
The Beury Building stands at the intersection of community and opportunity. It sits where North Broad Street, Erie Avenue, and Germantown Avenue meet. These are three of Philadelphia’s main arteries.
The Beury Building redevelopment prioritizes local hiring and training. A Community Benefits Agreement ensures this. Goals include hiring local and minority-owned businesses. It also aims to provide job training. There are apprenticeship initiatives for neighborhood residents. The Beury Building project also focuses on neighborhood safety and beautification.
Did you know the Beury Building once served as an air raid shelter? During World War II, it could hold up to 2,600 people. This shows its importance to the community throughout history. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985.
The Beury Building is more than just a hotel. It’s a symbol of hope for North Philadelphia. It signifies the re-energizing of a community. It mixes architectural heritage with modern design. It is creating jobs and opportunities for the community.
Imagine the Beury Building in its prime. Picture the bustling bank lobby. Hear the echoes of radio broadcasts from WTEL on the 13th and 14th floors. Envision the air raid drills during wartime. Now, see the Beury Building as it stands today. It is a beacon of revitalization.
As you stand here, consider the Beury Building’s journey. It is a story of resilience. It is a story of community. It is a story of rebirth. The Beury Building reminds us that even after decades of vacancy and graffiti, hope can rise again. The legendary Beury lives on. It reshapes history. It reinvigorates a community.