National Bank of North Philadelphia
| Company type | Bank building |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking (historic) |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia , United States |
| Products | Banking services (historic) |
National Bank of North Philadelphia, commonly referred to as the Beury Building and notably identified since at least 2015 by its distinctive graffiti slogan, is a landmark bank edifice situated in Philadelphia's Nicetown-Tioga area. Erected in 1926, this 10- to 11-story construction combines limestone, brick, and terra cotta materials, showcasing an Art Deco architectural style crowned by a three-story penthouse featuring a pyramid-shaped roof.
The structure was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
History
Originally commissioned for Bankers Trust at the intersection of Broad Street and Germantown Avenue, the building adopted the name Beury Building in 1930 to honor director Dr. Charles E. Beury. By 1932, radio broadcaster WTEL occupied the 13th and 14th floors. Bankers Trust had vacated the ground floor by 1935, intending to transform that area into a retail arcade.
Throughout World War II, the building functioned as a rationing board office and was designated as Philadelphia's largest air raid shelter among 28 such sites, capable of sheltering approximately 2,600 individuals. The Selective Service System established its headquarters on the third floor in 1950. In 1961, an incident involving an assault on an insurance manager took place on the 18th floor.
In conjunction with its historic designation in 1985, Philadelphia's commerce department pursued $5.8 million in grant funding aimed at renovating the property. During the early 1990s, owner Mohammed Mizani unlawfully removed asbestos using untrained workers from homeless shelters; he subsequently pled guilty in 1995 and received an 18-month prison sentence.
After remaining unoccupied for nearly twenty years by 2008, local officials proposed relocating municipal offices into the building; however, these plans did not materialize. In 2017, Shift Capital revealed redevelopment intentions to create 80 apartments—50 designated for low-income tenants and others for individuals with disabilities—alongside office and retail spaces. Leasing commenced that year prior to renovation efforts. Remediation work began in early 2018, accompanied by proposals for an annex featuring 90 additional apartments and retail facilities.
By late 2019, redevelopment priorities shifted toward converting the Beury Building into a Marriott hotel with a restaurant on the ground floor. The initiative secured a $477,000 state grant to support infrastructure enhancements. Responding to community feedback, developers pledged to retain the building’s renowned "Boner 4Ever" graffiti as an integral part of its character.