The Golden Mile: the Shining Legacy of City Avenue June 10, 2010

One of the most remarkable suburban landscapes of the postwar era in the Philadelphia region is undoubtedly that section of City Avenue once celebrated as "The Golden Mile." Part high-style, part kitsch, the development of the Golden Mile found architectural expression in America's increasing dependence and love of the automobile, in contrast to the more tightly controlled, pedestrian-centered, transit-oriented development in Center City. Although City Avenue was overshadowed by developments in Cherry Hill and King of Prussia, as well as changes in lifestyle, much of this visionary expression remains. Very recent demolitions of important buildings like WPVI's modernist circular building, and the Cayuga Bank, elevate the importance of the architecture that still exists. William Whitaker, Curator at the University of Pennsylvania Architectural Archives, presents an illustrated lecture describing the wide variety of structures along City Avenue. This mid-century development signaled the shift of population towards the Main Line suburbs and beyond, and included the first Marriott Hotel built outside of Washington, DC. It included the beloved Polynesian "Kona Kai" restaurant, and the Lord & Taylor's, designed by the famed industrial designer Raymond Lowey and one of his first buildings outside of Manhattan. There were also a gull-wing roofed bank, gas stations, office buildings, hotels, showrooms, and private houses, and works by prominent Philadelphia architects Vincent Kling and Louis I. Kahn. This event will take place in the space formerly occupied by Williamson's Restaurant on the top floor of the GSB Building. The unfinished window-enclosed space, now available for lease, has been cleared of all but structural elements-- literally a diamond in the rough. After the tour, enjoy the views during a reception.