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Philly Building Architecture?
I'm doing a project on how building have changed over time for a civil engineering/architecture course. I used to live in NE philly and I am interested in the Cottman Castor Shopping center and am trying to do it on that. I know that the huge building on the corner was a Lit's at one time as I have found pictures on the philly archives. However, I am at a loss for pictures of Clover and definatly Toy's R Us when it first opened and had it's rainbow striped look. I can recall it was very different from other TRU but I am too young to remember anything else. If anyone on here can give me any info on the architecture of both buildings through the years (where doors were located, additions, interior..etc.) it would be greatly appreciated and if anyone has any pictures they would be appreciated and credit will be given where it is due! Thank You Thanks a lot for a lot of the info. I believe my Clover did not have the bronze I do know that every one you have shown me in pictures did. Mine had a green canopy that looked the same as the bronze. That explains the huge pylon on Toys R Us (it was a Food Fair). Do you know if there were two entrances to the Toys R Us or just that one next to clover?If so, which wall was the entrance on? What was the interior of TRU like I can remember it was differenet from others but not much Thank you sir!
Public Comments
- See here that Clover #1 opened 1971, Morrisville was #2, Cinnaminson #3 http://jsf1.homestead.com/Clover.html If you find some old receipt or S&C credit card statement, they will show the store number in sequence of store opening. All Clovers had a bronze aluminum faced canopy over the front door, except yours. Yours had the same bronze colored siding all around the second floor, and was the only Clover on two floors. Looking at Google-street, I can see a shuttered door (2012 Cottman) facing Cottman, Lit Bros likely had the main front door there. The canopy wrapping your Clover was built in the same style as the other suburban locations. This is the only store situated up close to the street. The Cinnminson Clover had a secondary check-out lane area into the mall. This Cottman Ave. door likely also did, with most check-out lanes to the parking lot. Have you seen these: http://hungrypilgrims.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/food-memories-clover-clover-kitchen/ The TRU was a Food Fair Look at the other old Food Fair pics. Which one was like yours? As a Food Fair, the front door would have faced Cottman. http://www.groceteria.com/photos2/album/72157622064064909/photo/3872339708/food-fair-food-fair-philadelphia.html You can see in Bing maps-birdseye view the outline of the origial Food Fair store, smaller than TRU. Have you looked into the Cotman Ave. City Library or Chamber of Commerce? They may keep some files of Lits/Clover http://www.gnpcc.org/
