Know Your Neighborhood: The Wireworks, 301 Race St.  

Moore's Wireworks was founded in 1821 by an English immigrant who originally made wire for bonnets and hoopskirts and then began making insulated copper wire. They supplied Samuel Morse with the wire he needed for the 1st telegraph line (from DC to Baltimore) in 1844.

The current building (in the Renaissance Revival style) at 301 Race St. was built by Alfred Fitler Moore (grandson of the founder) in 1900 and was designed by noted architect John T. Windrim.  Windrim is best known for such buildings as Philadelphia Family Court (adjacent to Central Branch of Phila. Free Library), The Franklin Institute & the original Wills Eye Hospital (on Spring Garden St.).

The Wireworks sports the typical Renaissance Revival style features including Palazzo-like massing; brown Roman brick, brownstone, and terra cotta; and classical details such as engaged columns, colossal brick pilasters with capitals, and a modillioned cornice

It's unclear how long Moore's Wireworks occupied the building, but by the 1970's, the building housed a furniture store.

The Wireworks was one of the first conversions of factories in old city, first converted to apartments in 1984 and then to condominiums. At the time of conversion, 305, 307 & 309 Race were all connected to 301 Race to expand the apartment building. 305 & 307 Race were built in 1840; 309 in 1855.

1972, 3rd St view

305, 307 & 309 Race, 1972

1972, Race St view

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