Bourse Building, Philadelphia

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Built in 1895 as one of the first steel-framed structures, the building was used for many years as a place for exchange in several kind of business. In 1979 it was bought by Kaiserman Company and after an expensive restoration opened as a lively retailing mall.

I first noticed the Bourse Building for what it looks like, then for what's right next it. Here's this old building, part of old Philadelphia, right next to a TV station with a bunch of satellite dishes on it's roof. I wonder how the signing of the Declaration of Independence would have been covered by today's media. You think Benjamin Franklin was a superstar now?

The Bourse Building was originally a commodities exchange built in the late 19th century; today it's a food court. Bring the family in for fast food (though, even in this old building, not quite the quintessential Philadelphia experience). It's also got several souvenir shops. A good place to take a break.

A Bourse is a stock exchange, and the idea of bringing one to Philadelphia in 1890 was by George E. Bartol who came up with the idea while visiting the great Bourse in Hamburg, Germany. Upon his return to the United States, Bartol gathered the most influential businessmen and merchants in the city to pool their resources and construct the Philadelphia Bourse.

The Philadelphia Bourse Building was completed in 1895 and was one of the first steel-framed buildings in the world to be constructed. It also became the first Bourse in the world to house simultaneously a stock exchange, maritime exchange, and grain-trading center.

Quotations from all markets of the world and the latest financial news were received by telegraph, and pneumatic tubes connected The Bourse directly with the United States Post Office. A trading clock signaled the end of every business day. In 1979 the Philadelphia Bourse Building was purchased and adapted as a retail and office complex.

Eat shop and Sea history this historic landmark has it all .The food court serves out every thing from steamy Cappuccino to the famous Philly Cheese Steak. The shops offer every thing from souvenirs to finest perform there is even a Movie Theater, its all part of this spectacular Victorian building located across the street from Liberty Bell.