The Ladies' Mile

It is sad to see and think how buildings have lost their identities, style, interests...New construction is nothing but boxes, with mirrored outside walls...Very few are innovative in their curb appeal....Maybe someday things will turn around....

We have much of this in Philadelphia. When I was a young adult in Philadelphia in the 80's, I missed most of it, as I was walking downtown with friends having a conversation, or walking alone, either inebriated or braving harsh weather with my head down, or otherwise concentrating on simply getting from point A to point B, I didn't appreciate the architecture. But these days, as I am much older, when I return and walk around, I spend much more time looking up, and am awestruck but the art in the architecture, and how much remains, both in small buildings and large, it's truly everywhere, you don't have to look hard. I find it sad that that the art and craft has disappeared, and buildings that were erected after WWII are soulless blocks of glass and metal or concrete.

It also interests me how otherwise long forgotten companies and families are memorialized in the names of buildings that have been repurposed many times since