Regardless its designation, it was a pioneer in modernism. Completed in 1932 in an era dominated by the Chrysler and Empire State
Buildings, the PSFS was unparalleled, especially in a traditional city like Philadelphia. Its materials, drawn from around the world,
include black Belgian marble, polished gray granite, stainless steel and natural colored limestone. Most of the interior elements and
furniture were custom and imported, including Cartier designed clocks. Even the red neon PSFS sign on the rooftop broke with tradition,
as acronyms were frowned upon in business of the day. "Philadelphia Savings Fund Society" proved too illegible from the ground, so they
went with "PSFS" in 30 foot letters.
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