1902 - Present
ork still
remained at the new City Hall even after it was turned over to the City
and the architect, W. Bleddyn Powell, continued to serve as a city employee
until his death in 1910.
t was estimated that $3,000,000 would
be required to complete interior rooms and upgrade engineering systems
that were already 20 to 30 years old.
perating costs alone for a building
of this magnitude exceeded all expectations and remain a burden even today.
he City's Department of Public Property
was given the chore of building maintenance and capital improvements and
currently continues to execute those duties. It has overseen several major
projects as well as lesser alterations throughout the building's existence.
1903-1908 | Market Street subway is constructed around the new building. |
1909 | Electric traction elevators are installed throughout the building. |
1915-1920 | Broad Street subway is constructed and building foundations are underpinned. |
1921 | New elevators are installed. |
1929-1934 | Market Street subway tracks are relocated into tunnel under the building. | ![]() |
1966-1974 | Dilworth Plaza is constructed on the west side of the building. | ![]() |
1989-1992 | Metal portion of the tower is restored. William Penn statue is cleaned and restored. |
1993-1994 | East Portal and NE Stairtower are renovated as demonstration projects for potential $175 million total restoration project. |
1995-1996 | East Center Pavilion is restored. | ![]() |
1997 | Current plans for City Hall are directed at bringing the building up to present day code compliance, handicapped accessibility, and general maintainence. Some enthusasim for total rehabilitation still remains, but cost considerations leave the practicality of such a project in doubt. |