October 25, 2016
Philadelphia Police Department/YouTube
Philadelphia police released surveillance video of the man suspected to stealing a brass handrail from the stairs outside the Union League of Philadelphia, at 140 S. Broad St. Authorities say the theft occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 24, 2016.
Members of the Union League of Philadelphia were dismayed to find a portion of the historic building's iconic entrance lying in ruins Monday morning.
One of the railings to its twin, circular staircases was found amidst in a crumbled heap of concrete, an act of vandalism that Union League officials said they captured on surveillance video. A portion of its brass handrail was gone, too.
The footage recorded at 3:02 a.m. depicts a man approaching the building, at 140 S. Broad St., and tugging at the brass handrail, according to Union League Communications Director Erica Martin.
"At that time, he ripped off a brass section of the railing, causing the entire structure to collapse," Martin said. "It's a very unfortunate situation here. We're very upset about it, certainly."
This photo shows the steps outside the Union League building on South Broad Street in Philadelphia. The damage occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 24, 2016.
"We're still looking at the videos and cooperating with police," Martin said.
On Tuesday, Philadelphia police released footage of the incident from the south stairwell of the building shortly after the vandalism occurred. The suspect is described as a thin-built black male between 40-50 years old. He was last seen heading west on Sansom Street wearing a dark hooded jacket.
The Union League is working to have the staircase restored as quickly as possible, Martin said, noting the organization has various weddings and events scheduled. She was awaiting an estimated cost of damages.
"We're looking to make sure this is corrected, as soon as possible, of course," Martin said. "It's an iconic piece here in Philadelphia. It's a sad day here at the Union League."
The Union League building was constructed in the French Renaissance style during the American Civil War. It has a brick and brownstone facade supplemented by its twin circular staircases.
The treads and risers on the staircases are made of a composite concrete. The ballisters also are a prefabricated composite material.
"None of it is original to 1865, which is when the building opened," Director of Education and Programming Jim Mundy said. "This was all replaced in the early 20th Century."
The eight-floor building, which covers an entire block, was added to the National Historic Register in 1979.
Anyone with information about this crime or the suspect is asked to contact the Central Detective Division at 215-686-3093.
