Carpenters' Hall

As early as 1768 Carpenters' Company members began to look for a piece of property on which to build  a new Hall that would serve not only as a meeting place but as a stellar example of the work its members could produce.  They purchased the land from George Emlen and soon after opened up subscriptions for the new project.  On January 1, 1770 they voted to move ahead with construction, according to Robert Smith’s design.   Many members of the company worked on its construction, including Benjamin Loxley, Abraham Carlisle and James Worrell.  They completed the building in 1773 minus the finishing touches that today give the building its grandeur. Still it was sufficient for occupancy; finishing touches could come with better finances and time.  The building, now a National Historic Landmark, is considered a leading example of Georgian architecture.