Nipper Building, Camden (must see)

The Nipper Building is a colloquial name for The Victor condominiums, and originally, Building 17, RCA Victor Company, Camden Plant. The Nipper Building, now known as 'The Victor', was originally constructed in 1909-1916, by the architectural and engineering firm of Ballinger & Perrot.

Francis Barraud, an unknown British artist, saw his dog, Nipper, sitting attentively in front of a talking machine. Barraud was so impressed that he decided to put it on canvas. Nipper, the alert Fox Terrier with an ear cocked to an antique phonograph, became the best known dog in the world. The painting, called His Master's Voice, was sold to the British Gramophone Company Ltd. and became the trademarks of both the Gramophone Company and its new American affiliate, the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901. RCA purchased the Victor Company in 1929. The purchase included the Camden manufacturing plant and the "His Master's Voice" trademark. After manufacturing ceased in 1992, the building became vacant, vandalized and a general eyesore to the surrounding area. Utilizing the Investment Tax Credit, the structure was converted into a complex featuring a mix of 341 upscale loft apartments with outstanding views of the Philadelphia skyline. The restoration was completed in August 2003 at a cost of $65 million.