1926–1929, Dreher and Churchman. Montgomery and Coulter aves., Ardmore
The heart of Ardmore has been taken over by a landmark in the rise of the automobile. It is a mixed-use complex designed to serve commuters arriving at Ardmore Station or automobilists who could park across the street and shop in an environment of small shops. The mall was anchored in 1930 by the first suburban store of the local Strawbridge and Clothier Department Store chain. An Art Deco office tower in the center of the complex adds daytime density. The original movie theater was converted to a farmers’ market (now vacant) and the stores have been modified as a New Urbanist's ersatz small-town character, but the core mix of office and retail connected to transportation remains.