Comments on: The Old Benwalt Hotel Blows Its Top

By: tsj1957

tsj1957 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:41:24 +0000

Do anyone know if the Ellis Theater down the street had it’s facade and interior redone in the Art Moderne style at the same time? Original photos of that theater show a different exterior, so I would assume interior as well, although to me they’ve now acquired some of their own historical significance. I know that the Philadelphia Neshoba Arts Council received a Building for the Future Grant from MAC to redo the lobby, but I don’t believe they have a master plan for complete renovation/restoration of the building.

Photo of the exterior here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/viajante/1480122323/
The interior is very cool, but I couldn’t find photos.

By: Tom Barnes

Tom Barnes — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:47:23 +0000

What a great landmark this could be for those travelers who don’t care to insert themselvees into the casino environment. I hope this project makes it through.

By: ELMalvaney

ELMalvaney — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:40:20 +0000

I think (i.e., hope) that the word “gutting” was mis-used here. They will definitely have to tear out old carpet, etc. but the historic preservation tax credits, I hope, will provide enough incentive (if they weren’t already thinking that way) to re-use rather than gut.

By: Belinda

Belinda — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:21:47 +0000

Exciting. I have always found this building fascinating…

the article says:
“….the hotel was structurally sound, though the interior would have to be gutted….”

It would be great to encourage them to look at reusing what they have as first option before “gutting”.

By: ELMalvaney

ELMalvaney — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:51:39 +0000

“Quonset Hat”–perfect! Why didn’t I think of that? :-)

The interior is very much intact–the diner, lobby, large meeting space at the back, and the hallways and rooms are all pretty much unchanged, so there’s a lot to work with, underneath a layer of metal and years and years of neglect. It’s a really exciting project and would give such a boost to downtown Philadelphia, which has really been trying to fix itself up for several years now. Really a miniature King Ed in that respect.