I always knew this would be shut down. Nobody buys anything from stores anymore. Hopefully they keep the organ going… thankfully I made tons of YouTube videos of me enjoying the organ!
Macy’s has announced plans to close its Center City Philadelphia store, located in the historic Wanamaker Building at 1300 Market Street, by March 2025. This closure is part of a broader strategy to shutter 66 stores nationwide, aiming to focus resources on more profitable locations.
The Wanamaker Building, completed in 1911, has been a significant retail landmark in Philadelphia. It originally housed Wanamaker’s department store and is renowned for the Wanamaker Organ, a historic pipe organ that has been a centerpiece for concerts and events. The building also hosted annual traditions like the Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village, attracting visitors during the holiday season.
City officials have expressed disappointment over the closure but view it as an opportunity to reimagine the space. Potential future uses for the Wanamaker Building include retail, dining, residential, and cultural attractions. Notably, the Wanamaker Organ and the eagle statue are protected by the city’s Historical Commission, ensuring their preservation regardless of the building’s future.
The closure comes amid broader challenges for department stores nationwide, including declining foot traffic and increased competition from online retailers. Macy’s has indicated that the decision to close these stores is part of its “Bold New Chapter” strategy, designed to return the company to sustainable, profitable sales growth by closing underperforming stores and investing in more profitable locations.
So they will keep the organ open to the public?
The Wanamaker Organ, housed in the historic Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia, is a cherished cultural landmark. Following Macy’s announcement to close its Center City store by March 2025, concerns have arisen regarding the organ’s future accessibility. The Philadelphia Historical Commission has designated the organ as a protected feature, meaning any alterations or removal would require the commission’s approval.
Despite this protection, the organ’s continued public accessibility remains uncertain. The Wanamaker Building fell into receivership in 2023, and reports suggest that prospective buyers aim to convert the empty office space into residential real estate. It’s unclear whether they will retain a retail occupant below after Macy’s lease expires in 2027.
The Friends of the Wanamaker Organ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the instrument’s preservation, has historically organized special concerts and events. However, the future of such events is uncertain without a clear plan for the building’s use post-Macy’s closure.
In summary, while the Wanamaker Organ is protected from alteration or removal, its future accessibility to the public is uncertain due to the impending closure of Macy’s and potential changes in the building’s occupancy. Stakeholders are likely to engage in discussions to determine how best to preserve public access to this historic instrument.
Make a visualization of the Wanamaker building interior. With the organ and the eagle sculpture. Make it as close to how the setup is as possible, but just add some coffee shops and food court at the ground level to bring it back to life
