Demolition began Saturday on the building that housed "The Sound of Philadelphia."
Philadelphia International Records at Broad and Spruce Streets along the city's Avenue of the Arts met a wrecking ball to make way for a 47-story hotel and condo tower. The demolition on the building began Saturday.
Famous musicians from Philadelphia and around the world recorded music in the record company's studios owned by iconic music producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. They included Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Chubby Checker, Teddy Pendergrass and the O'Jays.
The building was damaged by arson in 2010 and was effectively shut down. It was sold to local developer Dranoff Properties in 2014 who is building an SLS International Hotel on the site.
Adjacent buildings were already torn down leaving only the Philadelphia International Records building standing.
Signed gold bricks will be placed in the tower's foundation as a nod to the site's significance. The new hotel and residences are slated to be opened in 2017.
