Marine Corps Supply Activity
Also known as: Quartermater`s Depot, US Marine Corps
Why it's listed
Built in 1904 and extended in 1908, the main building of this Philadelphia complex is a five-story structure of stone, red brick and concrete, with Ionic pilasters and a classical cornice. Rankin, Kellogg and Crane designed it as an administrative and warehousing facility for the Marine Corps, and later warehouse additions were built around it, the largest in 1917. The Activity began in 1798 as a canvas tent supply depot and was assigned clothing manufacture in 1804. During the First World War it outfitted 36 expeditionary units, and during the Second World War more than 6,000 employees made uniforms, tentage and metal goods there. It received five Army-Navy "E" awards for production efficiency. From 1967 it served as the Marine Corps' single inventory control point for its supply system. The complex is significant for these military supply and production roles.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the complex is significant for its long association with Marine Corps clothing manufacture, equipment production and supply management, particularly during World War I and World War II. It also cites the Activity's later role as the single inventory control point for the Marine Corps supply system from 1967.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 75001662, listed August 6, 1975. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 1100 S. Broad St., Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| County | Philadelphia |
| Listed | August 6, 1975 |
| Reference number | 75001662 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1904-1967 |
| Architect / builder | Rankin, Kellogg and Crane (architects) |
| Architectural style | Greek-style classical |
| Areas of significance | Military |
| Level of significance | National |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Continuously used by the Marine Corps since 1904; Building J is recorded as demolished. |
| Acreage | 1 |
| Coordinates | 39.93758, -75.16734 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 75001662.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6764116
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.