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Born: 6/21/1883, Died: 7/8/1971

Isadore W. Levin was born in Russia and there received his education as an engineer, helping to build the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Emigrating to Philadelphia, he enrolled at Central High School's evening program to learn English and later attended Drexel Institute, where he earned his degree in civil engineering in 1911.

Levin first emerges in the Philadelphia city directories as an architect in 1920 although projects are recorded for him in the Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders Guide as early as 1917. In the city directories he changes his occupation to civil engineer in 1922, returns to architect in 1924 and remains as such through 1935/36. His long list of Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders Guide citations reveals a prolific career, with many references to residential development projects. In 1923 alone he designed 48 residences in West Philadelphia for Max Gussman, 24 twin residences for M. Cotler, 17 residences plus two store and residence combinations for Fishman & Fort, and the Bernard Court Apartments (5015-1023 Spruce Street) for the Arrow Construction Company. In 1929 he designed 200 residences for developers Boardman & Smith at Frankford and Cottman avenues in Philadelphia. In the 1920s he also developed something of a specialty in West Philadelphia apartment buildings, designing the Rosamound Apartments at 4107 Chester Avenue (1928), the Waltonia Apartments at 4203 Chester Avenue (1928), and the Commodore Apartments at 4207 Chester Avenue (1928)

However, this concentration is punctuated by other projects indicating Levin's background in engineering and his personal interests. Warehouses and service stations were designed by his firm, but he also provided the design for the synagogue for Shaari Zedek Congregation (52nd and Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, 1928).

Written by Sandra L. Tatman.

School Affiliations

  • Drexel Institute
  • Central High School

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