News reports from the US suggest that the legendary PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL RECORDS head office building is finally to be demolished. The famous blue neon sign on the building at 309 S. Broad Street was removed today (Wednesday, October 15th) in preparation for the building’s ultimate demolition early next year to make way for a luxury hotel and apartment block.
The famous sign (along with other building artefacts), it’s reported, are to be stored for display in a future museum chronicling the label’s history. The building – even in its fire ravaged state – is already a tourist attraction. Not only was it the home of Philadelphia International Records, but prior to the Gamble-Huff era it was the place where legendary Philly records like Chubby Checker’s ‘The Twist’ and Dee Dee Sharp’s ‘Mashed Potato’ were recorded. It is, though, for the classic PIR hits that 309 S. Broad Street will be best remembered.
