Then and Now: 16th and Ranstead Streets looking southeast, Philadelphia

1936-2009

The two-story office and store building at 1535 Chestnut Street was built in 1936, and originally housed a men's clothing store and steamship company office. Today its ground floor is occupied by a nail salon and Rite Aid pharmacy.

Though not a particularly a particularly ornate building to begin with, it seems that its window panels and facade cladding have been replaced over the years. In 2008, the trees and planters were installed by the Center City District on the somewhat forlorn block to coincide with the opening of the Residences at Two Liberty Place, an office-condo conversion across 16th Street, whose dropoff area is pictured in the current view.

Source: Center City District. "Keeping Center City Green and Lush: CCD Spring Planting." Press Release. 21 Apr. 2008. 5 Dec. 2009. http://www.centercityphila.org/pressroom/prelease042108.php.
Original photo: Gee, William A. "Public Works-35968-0-B." 1936. Philadelphia City Archives. PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 16 Sep. 2009.