June 26th, 2016: Philly Art Deco

This Philadelphia, PA, art deco automobile dealership, was designed by Samuel Brian Baylinson.
It was built in 1929 at 1501-05 Fairmount Ave. and 15th St.



The building was approved for historic designation by the Philadelphia Historical Commission in 2015.
The Commission noted that, along with satisfying all designation requirements, the showroom’s distinctive
Art Deco style contributed to the character of Fairmount Avenue and should be preserved. This is the application.pfd

Note the changes already where the corner was closed in.



Mark Kreider bought it at a foreclosure sale 35-years ago and has been operating Overseas Motorworks,
a foreign auto sales and repair operation in the building.

More changes over the years.



Kreider tried to block the designation because he has a deal to sell it hinging on the buyer being able to get
permission to divide the existing structure into two businesses, and add a fifty-two-foot high addition on top
of it that will be used for residential space.

Time will tell.

http://hiddencityphila.org/2015/02/historical-commission-approves-designation-for-art-deco-auto-showroom-on-fairmount-ave/

http://philly.curbed.com/2016/6/20/11976892/1501-fairmount-avenue-mixed-use-development

Great building.
I like the series over the years showing its progress (?). Your "look closer" advice pays off here.

I would like to see a better picture of the corner of the building when it was new.

Quick reply must be taking the day off.

I also looked in vain for additioinal photos.

Here are two links that may be of interest to others who like this thread:

https://fieldnotesphilly.wordpress.com/2010/08/20/overseas/

http://hiddencityphila.org/2015/02/historical-commission-approves-designation-for-art-deco-auto-showroom-on-fairmount-ave/

I could not get these to open

https://www.bisnow.com/philadelphia

http://philly.curbed.com/2016/6/20/11976892/1501-fairmount-avenue-mixed-use-development

https://www.redfin.com/PA/Philadelphia/1501-Fairmount-Ave-19130/home/101390242

All those links worked for me, Jim.

Good finds.

Yes, worked. Mostly a rehash but the first link added:

The building is owned by Mark Kreider, who owns Overseas Motor Works, currently occupying the showroom. Mark also owns two adjacent properties along 15th Street, which serve as surface parking lots. The three properties are a package deal, according to Philly Mag last year, which reported they were being sold for an asking price of $2.5M and "heavy hitter" developers were interested. The three properties are assessed at roughly $500k combined.

And the third link added:

Redfin Estimate for 1501-5 FAIRMOUNT Ave

$1,824,652 Redfin Estimate

−$165K under list price of $2.0M