Founded in 1890 by Rachel Lit Wedell, Lit Brothers rose from a humble hat shop to an iconic Market Street landmark, celebrated for its cast-iron façade, unparalleled access, and enduring legacy of style and service.
In 1893, Rachel’s brothers Samuel and Jacob joined her and built a new store at the northeast corner of Eighth and Market Streets. The store’s tag line was “A Great Store in a Great City, and it positioned itself well as a more affordable alternate to competitors, Strawbridge and Clothier and Wanamaker’s. Between 1893-1907 Lit Brothers expanded eight times to its present size.
After the Lit Brothers Department store closes its doors in 1977, the Lits building is added to the national Register of Historic Places in 1979. However, during the 1980s, deteriorating portend demolition.
Lits Building is acquired by Brickstone affiliate Independence Center Realty under the stewardship of John J. Connors Sr., John G. Baker and John Kusmiersky. Mellon Bank agrees to be a long term tenant for 651,000 SF. The following year, Mellon Bank moves into the office portion of the Lits Building which is renamed Mellon Independence Center.
Building rehabilitation is completed in 1988 and the retail tenants open for business under the stewardship and guidance of Mark Merlini and David Miller. In 1989, the Lits Building receives the National Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Lits Building continues to stand as an iconic mixed-use complex, anchoring the continuing evolution of Philadelphia’s Market East District.
