The League House was designed by the Scottish-immigrant architect, John Fraser and opened on May 11, 1865. It is considered the first example of the Second Empire style in the city. It is made of solid masonry construction, with red brick and brownstone used on the exterior façade. The third floor features a mansard roof, with dormers.
By the end of the 19th century, the League would build three additions behind the Broad Street building, all in the same style and building material. By this time, the League owned the entire city block with the exception of 1418 Sansom Street which it leased from its owner and eventually purchased in 1938. Plans to build the last addition were made, and League member Horace Trumbauer was selected as the architect in 1908. The 15th Street building, as it is now known, was a radical departure in size, style, and material. The League house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Guard House building was built in 1806 and is one of the most recognized historic buildings in Lower Merion Township. Over the past 200+ years it has served as a general store, tavern, hotel, and restaurant. It is a class one historic property by the Township. It is located in the historic district of Gladwyne.
Founding Forward’s predecessor organization, the Abraham Lincoln Foundation (ALF) was established to preserve the history of the Union League and its historic collection of archives, books, and art. In 2019, the ALF (now Founding Forward) expanded its mission to include the preservation of the League House, and established a House Preservation Committee in 2019, to review all applications and make recommendations to the Historic Preservation Committee and the Board of Trustees for projects to fund preservation of the historic House. In 2021, the Guard House was added to its preservation list. Final decisions on all projects are made by the Founding Forward Board of Trustees.
Since its inception in 2019, the House Preservation Committee has approved and funded numerous projects for the betterment of these historic properties. Past Projects have included
The chiller is beyond its useful life, and the cooling tower is completing its useful life. Chiller services the entire League House, from the lower level through the 2nd floor. Cooling tower services the 3rd through 5th floor in the 15th Street and middle buildings.
Covered 40+ ground-floor windows to ensure security and long-term integrity of the building
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Founding Forward is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. The mission and work of Founding Forward is made possible through voluntary contributions.