On May 1st, The Franklin Residences celebrated a remarkable milestone — 100 years of serving Philadelphia as a symbol of its rich history, architectural grandeur, and timeless hospitality.
Designed by renowned Philadelphia Gilded Age architect Horace Trumbauer, the Benjamin Franklin Hotel quickly became one of the city's premier destinations, hosting events for illustrious guests and celebrities, earning acclaim for its elegance and hospitality. Throughout the 20th century, it witnessed Philadelphia's dynamic history firsthand, becoming synonymous with the city's vibrant social life and cultural heritage.
The Event of the Century
The Franklin Centennial welcomed residents, partners, local leaders, and media for a memorable night of tribute and history with a Roaring 20s theme.
Guests were greeted with champagne, lite bites and libations from The Franklin Residences’ in-house restaurant, High Street, and live jazz that flowed through the grand lobby. The space was adorned with carefully curated historic artifacts, such as maps, menus, and post cards, each telling an important piece of The Franklin Residence’s story — from its origins as the Benjamin Franklin Hotel to its current life as the Franklin Residences, specializing in elevated apartment living.
Lea Anne Welsh, President of AVE and COO of Korman Communities, opened the ceremony by emphasizing how pivotal giving back to the Philadelphia community has been to the success of The Franklin Residences, and how grateful AVE is to be a part of the city.
Councilmember Mark Squilla gave an inspiring reflection on the importance of preserving Philadelphia’s historic landmarks, expressing gratitude to the Korman family and AVE for the role The Franklin Residences has played in the life of the city.
Brad Korman, co-CEO of Korman Communities, spoke about the commitment to excellence and community that has defined The Franklin Residence’s legacy, along with the wonderful residents who call it home.
The Franklin Centennial Guests
The event drew a dynamic mix of attendees, including leading voices in local media. Earl Hopkins of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Jensen Toussaint of Philadelphia Today, and John Colabelli of Philadelphia Style mingled with guests, capturing the event’s rich atmosphere and engaging stories. Also in attendance were local influencers, including Rachel Harvey (@phillywanders).
Guests enjoyed capturing memories at the vintage-inspired photobooth, which added a fun and personal touch to the elegant evening. As a keepsake, attendees took home historic postcards, showcasing the community that has stood the test of time.
The Franklin Centennial was a celebration of the past and a toast to the future. With a legacy built on service and community, The Franklin Residences stands poised to continue its story for many decades to come.
For more details about our celebratory event, watch the above video.