201 N 3rd St (also called 249 Race St) once housed one of Philadelphia's most celebrated nightclubs, The Black Banana. It began in 1971 as Le Banana Noir, a restaurant and ice cream parlor at 534 South 4th Street. In the late 70s it moved to 3rd and Race Street and became a private club for members only.
The club thrived through the 80s being known as the most decadent after-hours nightclub in town. In 1991 it's owner died and it was badly damaged in a fire. The club rebuilt and reopened, lasting until 1998.
Previous businesses at this address reads like a history of manufacturing in the city. In the late 1800's, George W Crouch, a manufacturer and dealer in horse collars was here. The early 1900's saw Edwin A Newton, a dealer in knitting machinery, followed by George Kerlinger Inc, a dealer in hats. Later was Sterling Equipment and Supply, which sold boiler equipment.
The building now houses Wexler Fine Arts Gallery.
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